by Bob Berkman
March 5, 2024
Drivers include long term declines in reading scores, literacy gaps, and bi-partisan support.
Rockville MD – March 5, 2024 – Increased attention and growing implementation of Science of Reading (SoR) programs in schools is creating change across the K-12 reading landscape, and impacting the purchasing of reading materials. That’s a key finding from Simba Information’s February 2024 report, K-12 Reading Market 2024.
The move from balanced literacy, or “three-cueing” instruction—the dominant reading pedagogy for the past decade—to instruction based on the research-based science of reading (SoR), or “structured literacy,” is driving purchasing in the market for reading materials in 2024. Science of reading-based instruction places the emphasis on morphology, or the study of words and how they are formed. It involves the use of phonics and phonemic awareness, along with vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency.
Drivers of this trend include long-term declines in reading scores, which were exacerbated by the pandemic and are recovering very slowly, creating a growing recognition that something needs to change; persistent literacy gaps as Black and Hispanic students lagging behind White and Asian students in reading proficiency and recovery; strong results from SoR-based programs that have already been implemented; and bipartisan support on the legislative front.
The movement has been a grassroots one, driven by parents and advocacy groups and taking hold first in individual schools and districts around the country. But the trend has intensified due to the growing number of states requiring science of reading-based instruction across all of their districts, with 37 states and counting having laws in place. This trend has led to more centralized decision-making at the state level when it comes to instructional materials for reading.
The growing embrace of science of reading-based instruction has resulted in accelerated demand for teacher training and ongoing professional development --especially from instructional materials vendors--on SoR and how it translates to the classroom, as well as new core curriculum and supplemental materials, often with a focus on phonics and phonemic awareness. It is also spurring the need for interventions, assessments, and materials for tutoring and summer sessions. As core elementary programs are put in place, there is a growing need for SoR-based training and materials for older students, especially middle schoolers. There is also demand for additional materials to support writing instruction, as well as culturally relevant materials and reading materials that build knowledge in other academic subjects. The transition to the science of learning is also changing text adoption schedules.
Other Key Findings
Other forces impacting states include the September 2024 ESSER funding cliff; and new literacy laws with large funding allocations--often exceeding $100 million--with a portion earmarked for instructional materials. The report also examines the increase of book bans and identifies the specific subject areas curtailed; and shares the results of a Simba survey of teachers and administrators on their use of core reading programs, satisfaction with their vendors, identification of key decision makers for purchasing and other usage data.
About Simba Information
Simba Information is widely recognized as the authoritative source for market intelligence in the media and publishing industries. The company’s extensive information network delivers thoughtful, independent perspectives on the people, events and alliances shaping the industry. In addition, Simba Information assists clients and the press with analysis of publishing and media industry trends.
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