The Science of Reading

The Science of Reading - A Guide for Families

In the last few years, you may have heard the term, “Science of Reading.” You will be hearing about it even more in our classrooms this year! The Science of Reading refers to the body of research that has been done over the last several decades by reading experts and cognitive scientists who study the brain and how people learn to read. This research has shown us some of the best methods for teaching our students how to read. The good news is that our teachers have already been teaching many of these methods and working on implementing even more of them into their classrooms.

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What is Structured Literacy?

Structured literacy is a way to teach students to read and aligns with the Science of Reading (research that experts have found to be effective with how students learn to read and comprehend text).

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Which Structured Literacy Programs Are Used for Instruction?

Fairfield Union Local School District uses three programs that are part of the Wilson line of reading products. Fundations, Just Words and Wilson Reading System (WRS):

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Dyslexia Screening

Tier 1 (Universal) Screening

Universal screening, referred to as a tier 1 dyslexia screening measure in Ohio’s dyslexia support laws (ORC 3323.251), is given to all students in a designated grade level(s). The measure identifies students whose current level/skills are at/above grade level or below grade level. Students below grade level may be at risk for reading difficulties such as dyslexia.

For the 2024-2025 school year, all Fairfield Union students in kindergarten will participate in universal screening. Kindergarten students will participate in screening during the second semester of school. Students in grades 1-6 may be screened based upon either parent or teacher referral.

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The Screening Process

Dyslexia Screening Forms

PARENT AND TEACHER REFERRALS

Ohio’s dyslexia support laws (ORC 3323.25 and 3323.251), allow both parents and teachers to refer students for tier 1 dyslexia screening. Teachers that refer students must also receive parent permission before any screening can occur.

Parent Referral and Permission to Assess Form

Teacher Referral Form

Ohio's Dyslexia Laws

The 133rd Ohio General Assembly passed legislation (ORC 3323.25, 3323.251, 3319.077 and 3319.078) concerning the screening of and intervention for children with dyslexia, effective April 12, 2021.

Ohio’s dyslexia support laws (ORC 3323.25 and 3323.251) define dyslexia as “a specific learning disorder that is neurological in origin and

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National Center on Improving Literacy

Resource:

Natoinal Center on Improving Literacy. (2023, August) Myths vs. Facts. https://improvingliteracy.org/brief/understanding-dyslexia-myth-vs-facts

Parent Resources

A resource guide for Ohio Parents from the Family Engagement Center at The Ohio State University

Sources:

Ohio Department of Education, (2023, August). The Science of Reading.

https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/Literacy/The-Science-of-Reading

Ohio Department of Education, (2023, August) Ohio's Dyslexia Guidebook. https://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/Literacy/Dyslexia/Ohio_s-Dyslexia-Guidebook.pdf.aspx?lang=en-US

Wilson Language Training, (2023, August) Why Choose Wilson? https://www.wilsonlanguage.com/

Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center, (2022, August) Dyslexia Resource Guide for Ohio Families. The Ohio State University. https://ohiofamiliesengage.osu.edu/resources/dyslexiaguide/

Dyslexia Supports, (2023, August) Dyslexia Intervention and Support Frequently Asked Questions. Ohio Department of Education. https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/Literacy/Dyslexia/Dyslexia-Intervention-and-Support-Frequently-Asked