One of the newest buzz-phrases in education is the concept known as the "science of reading," which has garnered significant attention and become a politically charged topic within US education. While educational trends often come and go, the science of reading appears to be an enduring approach supported by research. It revolves around evidence-based practices that aim to instruct students in reading by using a spectrum of essential reading skills, thereby bolstering a comprehensive reading model.
The closure of schools during the pandemic resulted in a significant impact on education, particularly in reading proficiency. Despite efforts to continue virtual education, reading scores suffered. During the 2022-2023 school year, fewer than half of New York’s third graders were proficient on state reading tests (New York State Education Department). Responding to this issue, Governor Kathy Hochul recently called for NYSED to “require school districts to certify that their curriculums have embraced ‘scientifically proven’ approaches to literacy by September 2025” (Ashford, 2024).
The fundamental role of the school librarian centers on supporting classroom teachers and students with their reading and information goals. How, then, can school librarians contribute to promoting the science of reading? A crucial aspect involves providing a diverse array of reading materials that cater to the needs of teachers and students. By curating the library collection in alignment with the curriculum and the broader school community, students gain access to high-quality resources. “Reading for understanding, reading for pleasure, and the depth and breadth of the reading experience remain at the heart of library instruction” (Rowe and Soulen, November/December 2023). Supporting the science of reading entails addressing the diverse needs of students, removing obstacles that hinder access, and facilitating opportunities for students to actively engage in the reading process. This multifaceted approach empowers school librarians to play a pivotal role in promoting literacy within their schools.
