The Science of Reading has become one of the most discussed — and misunderstood — topics in education. Too often, the conversation is reduced to phonics alone, leaving educators wondering where comprehension, vocabulary, writing, discussion, background knowledge, and authentic literature still fit. This K–12 session explores what the Science of Reading actually is, what research is genuinely new, what effective teachers have long understood, and what evidence suggests works best for students across grade levels and content areas. Participants will explore: the cognitive and language foundations of reading, the role of explicit instruction, why literacy extends far beyond phonics, connections to multilingual learners and intervention, and practical ways to build scientifically grounded, language-rich classrooms. This session is designed for educators across all grade levels and content areas who want a balanced, research-informed understanding of literacy instruction without the pendulum swings.
