Reading to Understand: Unlocking the Elements of Comprehension
January 15, 2024
The "science of reading" isn’t just about foundations like phonics; it’s about improving students’ reading comprehension. This complex work requires educators to teach rich content through texts, foster students’ vocabulary, and build their ability to persist through harder books. And challenges abound, including the distractions of digital devices and tests that don’t always align well to curricula.
In this special report, learn about the components of reading comprehension and strategies schools can use to support this critical goal.
In this special report, learn about the components of reading comprehension and strategies schools can use to support this critical goal.
- Reading & Literacy Reading Comprehension Hinges on Building Knowledge. New Curricula Aim to HelpStudents need to know a lot of content to become good readers. Enter new curriculum series, which prioritized shared texts exploring history, science, and literature.Reading & Literacy From Our Research Center Reading Comprehension Challenges and Opportunities, in ChartsLearn where students struggle, what types of materials educators use, and their perceptions of students' stamina and pleasure reading.Reading & Literacy How to Build Students' Reading StaminaBuilding stamina—the attention span and endurance to read texts for sustained periods—is critical to support reading comprehension.English-Language Learners Q&A English Learners Need Equal Access to Rich Texts. How One School Makes That HappenA coordinator for an English-learner program discusses how to integrate language supports into English/language arts classes.Reading & Literacy There's a Design Flaw With Many Reading Tests. Here's One State's FixLouisiana is piloting a test measuring knowledge of the texts and curriculum kids have been exposed to, not random passages.Reading & Literacy Is Too Much Screen Time, Too Early, Hindering Reading Comprehension?Evidence supports teachers' concerns that early exposure to electronic devices leads to a loss of the focus young learners need for reading.Reading & Literacy Q&A How This Teacher Sparks a Love of Reading for PleasureA 2nd grade teacher shares her tips for hooking students on reading for pleasure.Reading & Literacy A Reading Comprehension Glossary: Learn About the Key Components for SuccessOur glossary breaks down the many factors that play into reading comprehension.