Science of Literacy
The Science of Learning research is multidisciplinary, including: Logic and Reasoning, Linguistics, Psychology, the Writing Process, as well as how both Reading and Writing Volume and Knowledge Building are foundational to skilled writing.
Essential Elements of Effective Writing Instruction
Research-Based, Knowledge Building Units – extensive practice reading, discussing, and learning from many texts on the same real world topic (like ecosystem dynamics or the American Revolution).
Systematic Instruction in Thinking – logical claims, relevant evidence, sound reasoning, coherent organization, logical fallacies, attention to audience
Worthy Mentor Texts – models of what high quality writing looks and sounds like.
Oral Rehearsal – writing is a reflection of thinking – so the more time students get to talk through their ideas and practice effective oral communication, the better their writing will become.
Extensive Practice Composing and Revising – regular practice composing not just sentences but paragraphs, stories, essays, and books with many opportunities to give and receive feedback and to learn to make extensive revisions to improve writing craft and coherence, not just mechanics.
Grammar. Spelling, & Mechanics at the Point of Need – targeted intervention based on the errors in students’ work.