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What Do We Know So Far?
The process of learning to read is complex and has been studied by many disciplines. What we need is for the science to funnel into the hands of teachers through uplifting, respectful, and strong reciprocal relationships.
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M. Kovack
Jan 1, 20233 min read
Connecting the Science of Reading with the Art of Implementation
Curiosity built around the Science of Reading? Check. How this works in the real world of the classroom? (chirping crickets) Although...
6,646 views0 comments
M. Kovack
Aug 19, 202412 min read
Science without Philosophy: What are your Pangs of Tension Today?
I will never forget my first pang of tension as a teacher. It was 1990, and I was full of enthusiasm, eager to implement the reading...
86 views1 comment
M. Kovack
Aug 8, 202411 min read
Science without Philosophy: What are your Pangs of Tension Today?
I will never forget my first pang of tension as a teacher. It was 1990, and I was full of enthusiasm, eager to implement the reading...
106 views0 comments
M. Kovack
Feb 6, 20246 min read
12 Helpful Scripts for Word & Sentence Level Routines
First, I think it is important to distinguish between writing that we do “at the word and sentence level” (to practice spelling patterns...
555 views1 comment
M. Kovack
Jan 1, 20245 min read
"Is your Phonics Instruction Systematic, Explicit, & Cumulative? Here are 10 Ways to Make Sure It Is!"
In light of the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read inquiry (OHRC, 2022) and the recent release of Ontario's new Language...
601 views0 comments
M. Kovack
Aug 11, 20224 min read
When will Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) get the Traction it Needs?
TWO students in every classroom have DLD (7% of people have DLD), and it is a specific challenge with understanding and using spoken...
232 views0 comments
M. Kovack
Feb 27, 20224 min read
The Doors are OPEN for Systemic Change - So Now What?
The Science of Reading is one thing – systemic change, however, is quite another. The Ontario Human Rights Commission will be releasing...
343 views0 comments
M. Kovack
Nov 1, 20214 min read
On your mark, get set, RISE!! A Culturally Responsive & Relevant “Readiness” Framework.
CfA Science Education Department (18, October, 2021). After beating my head against a brick wall trying to improve beginning reading...
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M. Kovack
Mar 28, 20212 min read
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The Massive Shift in Balanced Literacy Thinking Has Begun!
There is movement in the balanced literacy world. I have been waiting 30 years for a critical mass of educators to shift their thinking,...
315 views0 comments
M. Kovack
Jan 12, 20211 min read
Nomanis - Help for Teachers & Administrators who want to Implement Change
Do you want to align your practice to the Science of Reading, but don’t have support from administration? Or, are you an administrator...
56 views0 comments
M. Kovack
Nov 30, 20201 min read
Documentaries by Emily Hanford
These 4 documentaries by Emily Hanford were released by the American Public Media between 2017-2020. "There is a theory about how people...
180 views0 comments
M. Kovack
Oct 21, 20201 min read
Why we Need to be Aware of the Margins
Last week, I asked my students to demonstrate what they have been learning about Universal Design for Learning, Dyslexia, and DLD using...
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M. Kovack
Oct 15, 20201 min read
One Parent's Reading Experiment: The Purple Challenge!
While it doesn't take reams of scientific research to figure this out (although we do have reams of scientific research to explain this),...
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M. Kovack
Jun 27, 20202 min read
The Complete Picture
*Slightly modified from Kim (2017). Used with permission. While the Simple View of Reading and Scarborough’s Rope are two of the most...
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M. Kovack
Jun 19, 20204 min read
Let's Slow Down a Little... Is What we are Doing Really Helpful?
As soon as our children are born, we are told to fill our home with books! Read, read, READ every chance you get! When young children...
166 views0 comments
M. Kovack
Jun 19, 20202 min read
DLD and Me!
I just had the pleasure of attending one of the most stimulating hours of professional learning I have experienced! Dr. Tiffany Hogan,...
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M. Kovack
Jun 19, 20201 min read
Scarborough's Reading Rope - The Many Strands of Skilled Reading
The Reading Rope. Scarborough (2001). Source: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-Reading-Rope-Scarborough-2001_fig2_282550319 CC...
163 views0 comments
M. Kovack
Jun 17, 20202 min read
The Simple View of Reading
The Simple View of Reading (Gough & Tunmer, 1986) is a foundational framework that explains two formative strands of skills that lead to...
3,685 views0 comments
M. Kovack
Jun 9, 20201 min read
New (2020) American Federation of Teachers
Hot off the press! "By the year 2000, after decades of multidisciplinary research, the scientific community had achieved broad consensus...
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M. Kovack
Jun 4, 20201 min read
Keeping the "Teach" in Teacher
While systematic and explicit instruction has now found its way into mainstream beginning reading instruction conversations, the term...
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M. Kovack
Jun 1, 20201 min read
What is The Science of Reading & Why Should we Care?
If you are curious about the term "The Science of Reading" and wondering if this is simply yet another fad, there is a "Defining...
284 views0 comments
M. Kovack
Apr 27, 20201 min read
What is Structured Literacy?
Structured Literacy is an approach to reading instruction that is beneficial for all students, and critical for those at risk for reading...
540 views0 comments
M. Kovack
Dec 1, 20191 min read
What Happens When Using and Understanding WORDS is a Problem?
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has you covered. This section of their website lists all of the signs and...
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M. Kovack
Dec 1, 20191 min read
What Happens when Word Reading is a Problem?
Here is Gloria. In grade three, she could not read or write anything but her name, despite above average intelligence. She has an...
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