RMC Research Corporation’s Post

Need a guide to the science of reading for those who aren’t teachers and researchers? Check out this new resource! On the Same Page: A Primer on the Science of Reading and Its Future for Policymakers, School Leaders, and Advocates. https://rpb.li/1ksxDS

Is there any “science” in how educators use the “Science of Reading”? All healthcare professions improve assessment, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes each year, decade... There is no “Science of Pediateics” or “Science of Denistry” or “Science of Ophthamology.” Rather, healthcare professions are based on evidence-based practices from peer-reviewed, empirical studies and randomized controlled trials. Again, all healthcare services are empowered by empirical, peer-reviewed research studies & Randomized Controlled Trials. Nobody wants doctors making up a treatment from a list of ingredients, they want scientifically tested and proven most effective treatments. In stark contrast, educational curriculua and educational practices are based on philosophy and ideology, ie “what I think” and “what I feel” is enough for making up instructional lessons and curricula. Even when given a list of known “ingredients” for effective literacy instruction, each teacher randomly choosing their “recipe” is still guessing or using untested and unproven lessons. Outcomes in literacy show zero gains in 40+ years, because education is not evidence-based. As educators use it, the “Science of Reading” is a list of ingredients with NO proven recipe - meaning #educationalmalpractice is still the low standard of care and literacy instruction in the USA. What can an evidence-based literacy program like www.NOWprograms.com achieve? How about improvement from the 5th to the 45th percentile in 8 WEEKS of training?? Yes, those results are from a peer-reviewed, randomized controlled trial research study, thoroughly vetted and funded by a premier research institution in the USA, NICHD. See in only 1 Minute what literacy empowerment from the 5th to 45th percentile looks like: https://lnkd.in/eHDVErp

Educators, what tools or processes do you use to investigate your practice, reflect on its impact, and make informed decisions to enhance student learning? Action research might be just what you need. Action research is a structured approach that engages leaders and teachers to do that work within the context of specific dilemmas or problems of practice. "This process involves several key elements: identifying an area of focus, developing guiding questions, and engaging in iterative cycles of inquiry relative to the identified dilemma or problem of practice," writes our columnist, Ayesha Farag, assistant superintendent for elementary education in Newton Public Schools in Massachusetts. The following questions can be helpful for launching action research or other form of inquiry.

Reading instruction is one of the most complicated topics in education policy, encompassing pedagogy, policy, and politics — all rooted in a long history of arguments about the best way to teach kids to read. https://lnkd.in/e_RBfBdu

Happening now: Join us to explore the complexity of foundational learning in 2024; a debate that goes beyond literacy and numeracy, delving into policy, pedagogy, and social compacts for equitable education. Link: https://lnkd.in/d-h9QSMY

An article in the Weekend Times caught my eye. In it, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, our children’s laureate, talks about the power of reading aloud to children as part of their school day. While we know that being a reader improves children’s outcomes, the article also describes the role that books can play in tackling the ‘unhappiness epidemic’ in schools. This resonated with my own experience as a researcher. In 2023, I was commissioned to run a longitudinal study in which Y3, 4 and 5 pupils in 20 primary schools around England were read to daily, purely for pleasure.  The benefits associated with story time are compelling: not only did we see a ‘value-added’ increase in many children’s age standardised reading scores, but it also helped to develop a love of reading. Teachers and children reported that daily story time helped them feel calmer, improved the relationship between pupils and their teacher, and made the classroom a happier place. While we wait to hear what higher standards, a modernised curriculum and assessment reform look like, here’s a shout out for putting story time into every school’s timetable.  If you’d like to find out more about the research, here’s the report summary.

In today's rapidly changing world, we are considering the fundamental principles of education. Together with educators, learners, and policymakers, we ask: what do schools need to look like to face the challenges of tomorrow? Read the full article 👉 https://bit.ly/3Y6zppG

This insightful book critiques global education challenges fueled by neoliberalism and the Global Education Reform Movement (GERM). Through voices of teachers and experts like Hargreaves and Biesta, it advocates 'flipping the system'—a shift towards a humane, teacher-centric approach. Addressing high-stakes accountability and privatization, it champions a positive vision for education, emphasizing teacher empowerment. A compelling read for educators worldwide, offering hope and a roadmap for meaningful change.

“4. Professional development is ‘irrelevant’ for nearly half of teachers” This point is a piece of why I’m so passionate about developing and facilitating relevant PD for teachers. Many teachers also don’t see the importance of PD, which I strongly believe changes after participating in relevant and engaging PD opportunities.

The viewpoints of teachers and principals diverge significantly on some core issues. Here are five key insights from The State of Teaching national survey.