Welcome to the Science of Reading

What is the Science of Reading?

The Science of Reading is a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing. This research has been conducted over the last five decades across the world, and it is derived from thousands of studies conducted in multiple languages. (The Reading League)

The Science of Reading is built on two fundamental truths:

1. We were never born to read. Our brains are hardwired for speech, not print.
2. The alphabetic principle is the foundation of our alphabetic writing system. It is fundamentally different from pictograph and logograph systems.

What the Science of Reading is not:

•  an ideology or philosophy
•  a fad, trend, new idea, or pendulum swing
•  a political agenda
•  a one-size-fits-all approach
•  a program of instruction
•  a single, specific component of instruction, such as phonics

Click here for The Science of Reading: Defining Guide from The Reading League! 

Download the Science of Reading infographic here.

Watch a 3-minute "elevator speech" about the Science of Reading, as explained by Dr. Stephanie Stollar.

Want to learn more? 

Take one of our courses to learn more about the science of reading, especially the Evidence-Based Decision Making Course, which directly aligns and supports learning in the science of reading and the shifts to structured literacy.

Literacy Professional Learning

**The views and opinions expressed in any third-party resource do not necessarily reflect those of the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and do not imply an endorsement by ADE.