Polarization in education has become all too familiar–from the books that we’re allowed to read or include on library shelves, to topics we can discuss in classrooms, to how subjects are to be taught. It seems as if we have become a culture that thrives on divisiveness— we constantly feel pressured to “choose a side.” Most recently, the reading wars have resurfaced and divided many educators into two opposing camps--advocates for balanced literacy and advocates for structured literacy based on the Science of Reading. Unfortunately, this all or nothing stance in choosing a side leaves students suffering the most. Moreover, it leaves educators frustrated, confused, exhausted, and ill- equipped to understand the complexity of reading instruction and how to best meet the needs of diverse learners.
Yet, If educators were given the freedom and flexibility to view quality literacy instruction as ever-evolving, perhaps we can think of ways to integrate new ideas into our current teaching practicves rather than hunt for a new resource that can replace or overhaul what we’ve spent so much time, money, energy, and training to perfect. In this workshop, we hope to clarify some of the misconceptions around Balanced Literacy practices and Structured Literacy in order to create a safe space where both philosophies can live in harmony and support educators with the best tools possible to meet the needs of all students. We believe that finding a middle ground, and opening our minds and hearts to allow for inquiry, investigation, and conversation will enrich and evolve our practice aligned with a common goal — helping children become proficient and successful life long readers.