A proposal under consideration by the Denver school board would require all schools in the district to adopt research-backed literacy instruction based on the science of reading. This policy aims to standardize phonics and other evidence-based methods across Denver Public Schools. The initiative follows a 2022 literacy lesson example at Bradley International School.
Key Points
- Proposal requires Denver schools to use science of reading for literacy lessons.
- Focuses on research-backed methods like phonics to improve student outcomes.
- Under review by the school board, potentially standardizing curriculum district-wide.
Implications for Educational Freedom
This mandate could represent government overreach by limiting school autonomy in curriculum choices, potentially restricting options for charters and reducing parental empowerment in selecting diverse educational approaches. It may hinder educational freedom by enforcing a one-size-fits-all policy on literacy instruction.
