Renaissance Co-Hosts Science of Reading Webinar with Leading Voices in Education

BLOOMINGTON, MINN. (April 6, 2023) – Renaissance, a leader in pre-K–12 education technology, is co-hosting a webinar with Education Week on April 18, 2023, titled “A Conversation About the Science of Reading: The Necessary Elements.” The webinar features some of the leading voices in the Science of Reading movement, including Emily Hanford, Kareem Weaver, and Dr. Michelle Hosp. Together, they will discuss the importance of evidence-based instruction, comprehensive assessment systems, and core reading curricula in improving student literacy outcomes.

Nationwide, schools and districts are embracing the Science of Reading and the decades of research behind how children best learn to read. Reading is a complex process that involves many skills, but phonics instruction, teaching how letters represent sounds, and how to blend those sounds is proven to be the most effective way to teach young children how to read.

While the “Science of Reading” term has gained traction in education, national surveys and reporting from Education Week show that less effective methods of teaching foundational literacy skills are still widely used in elementary schools. As a result, more than two dozen states have passed laws since 2019 requiring schools to use methods aligned with research on how children learn to read. Emily Hanford’s “Sold a Story” is a notable example of the reporting and coverage that’s raised awareness around the importance of evidence-based instruction.

“The Science of Reading continues to gain traction among schools and districts nationwide,” said Dr. Michelle Hosp, Director of Foundational Literacy at Renaissance. “Reading is incredibly difficult to teach. Five decades of research show us how to assess and teach reading, and while educators recognize the importance of the Science of Reading, transforming how we teach reading itself is a tremendous change.”

In addition to hearing from Renaissance’s Dr. Hosp, attendees will hear from Emily Hanford, a Senior Correspondent and Producer for American Public Media who has reported extensively on early reading instruction for the past several years. Attendees will also hear from Kareem Weaver, a Co-Founder and Executive Director of non-profit FULCRUM, and one of the leaders behind The Right to Read, a recently released documentary that shares the stories of an NAACP activist, a teacher, and two families who fight to provide students with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read.

During the webinar, attendees will learn:

• The implications for students when instruction doesn’t align with the science
• The importance of a comprehensive assessment system in providing equitable reading instruction
• How evidence-based instructional materials and a strong core reading curriculum can empower educators and improve literacy outcomes for all students
• The need to continue to advocate for the Science of Reading in the face of opposition and a system that is slow to change

Dr. Gene Kerns, Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of Renaissance, will moderate the conversation. In addition, attendees who attend 53 minutes or more of the webinar can download a PDF certificate verifying one hour of professional development credit.

To register for the webinar, please click here.

About Renaissance

As a leader in education technology, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. For more information, visit www.renaissance.com.

Contact for Media Inquiries Only:
Lucy Duffy
Senior PR and Communications Specialist
Renaissance
(561)-572-6296
pr@renaissance.com

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