As schools across the country grapple with rising numbers of students referred for special education services, educators and policymakers need to look earlier in a child’s academic journey for solutions, literacy expert Laura Fischer says. According to Fischer, the key lies in robust early childhood literacy practices.
“Teachers are not trained to identify struggling readers early enough,” says Fischer, Chief Academic Officer at the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education. “When they are referred, it’s not always because they have a disability; sometimes, it’s because they lacked early instruction. We can save those services for those who really need them.
“Strong early literacy can prevent behavioral issues like avoidance or acting out, which are often mistaken for learning disabilities,” Fischer said. “We know so much more now about how children learn to read, and what instructional practices cement literacy.”
IMSE’s programs emphasize teacher training and capacity-building, ensuring educators are equipped to translate academic research into classroom practice. It provides professional development programs in Orton-Gillingham and other certifications.
“We help teachers be the best practitioners they can be, pairing curriculum closely with professional development,” Fischer says. “How do I translate an academic research paper into what I do with 30 little faces? We try to create teachers who feel empowered, pairing curriculum closely with teacher training.”
Singing songs, rhyming games, and engaging in dialogue about books can provide the foundation for more advanced skills, she says. Hearing the sounds can help prepare students for discovering printed letters.
Meanwhile, PBS offers several free resources for teachers and parents. PBS Kids offers printable tools to help introduce children to words and their sounds. PBS Learning Media provides teachers with tools for foundational reading skills. The PBS Reading Buddies — Dusty, Dott, and Alphabott – help children learn some basics.
Two new PBS shows – the revived “Reading Rainbow,” featuring Mychal Threets, a social media star librarian, and the animated “Phoebe & Jay” – are aimed at improving children’s literacy.
With mounting evidence that early literacy can change the trajectory for countless children, Fischer encourages schools to invest in teacher training and early intervention.
“The act of teaching is as serious as any profession — research-based and touches every aspect of our communities. Teaching is the hardest job in the world,” Fischer says. “But with strong early literacy, we can give every child the best chance to succeed.
“There’s so much hope, so much good work being done,” Fischer says. “Literacy and reading outcomes are going to improve — policy, funding, and what teachers do day to day all matter. But it starts with strong early literacy, and that’s how we can head off so many issues before they begin.”
Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.
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