Understanding the Science of Reading

This webinar will present the background and history of the debate about reading instruction dubbed the "Reading Wars" and build out the implications for public librarians serving emerging readers and their families. We will focus on the Science of Reading and understand core principles behind how this approach to reading instruction is impacting public libraries and the programs and services we provide.
 

Learning objectives:

1. Understand the history of reading instruction and how it has impacted the current third grade
   literacy crisis in the US.
2. Understand the core principles and tenets of the Science of Reading and how it differs from
   other instructional practices
3. Articulate what decodables really are and why they are important in public library children's
   collections
4. Learn ways libraries are stepping in through programs, services and collections

Presenter:

Elizabeth M. McChesney has three decades of experience in children’s librarianship and library administration. She has earned Library Journal’s Movers & Shakers Award, the National Summer Learning Association’s Founder’s Award for Excellence, and the Association for Library Service to Children’s Distinguished Service Award, and she is a recipient of the John Cotton Dana Award. McChesney serves as the director of community engagement and early childhood for the LaundryCares Foundation, is a senior advisor in educational equity for the Urban Libraries Council, and is the field consultant in libraries and literacy for the National Summer Learning Association. She passionately believes in the public library as a place of learning, education, joy, and wonder for all kids.

Track: Literacy