Frederick Hess discusses the renewed push for the ‘Science of Reading’ in education, questioning if it will succeed unlike past efforts. He suggests it’s a promising trend but warns of potential pitfalls that could undermine its effectiveness. The article emphasizes the need for careful implementation to avoid repeating historical failures.
Key Points
- Science of Reading is gaining traction as a bandwagon in education reform.
- Past reading initiatives have often failed due to various potholes.
- Successful adoption requires steering clear of implementation challenges.
Implications for Educational Freedom
The Science of Reading could enhance parental empowerment by promoting evidence-based literacy instruction, potentially supporting school choice if it allows flexibility in charters and vouchers. However, heavy government mandates might represent overreach, limiting educational freedom and local control.
