Making Sense of the Science of Reading: Context Matters

By Andrew P. Johnson

Is the Science of Reading (SOR) a movement? A body of research? A rigid prescription for how to teach? This witty but serious--and very accessible--book distills both the intrinsic value and the notable limitations of current SOR approaches. Andrew P. Johnson provides crucial context for some of the claims about reading instruction that are frequently cited under the SOR banner. Twenty-one concise chapters separate fact from myth about commercial reading curricula; whole language approaches; decoding, phonics, and phonemic awareness; direct and explicit instruction; and the role of reading assessment. The book guides educators to become more discerning consumers of research so they can make informed instructional choices for diverse learners.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1462563848
• ISBN13: 9781462563845
• Release Date: August 2026
• Publisher: Guilford Publications
• Length: 228 Pages