District ELA Curriculum + 
Supplemental Multisensory Instruction =
​ Student Achievement and Progress

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An American Reading Crisis

According to the U.S. Government, nearly one-third of fourth graders are significantly behind grade level in reading. These statistics emphasize the urgency of implementing effective approaches and strategies in our educational system to ensure student success. As a teacher, I've noticed that many ELA curriculums, such as Open Court, do not offer suggestive supplemental phonics and comprehension activities, such as multisensory opportunities and deeper word study, to allow further practice on specific skills. The educational system needs to address the critical need for improved reading proficiency among students, as highlighted by alarming statistics indicating significant reading deficits among fourth graders in the United States.
What is needed
I believe districts, teachers, and stakeholders can take the initiative by regularly incorporating supplemental multisensory phonics and comprehension activities into the existing reading curriculum. This approach provides students like mine with additional opportunities to learn and apply the content. According to Nixon and Williams (2014), diverse modalities cater to different learning styles, fostering a more inclusive and engaging learning environment. By exploring a variety of learning modalities throughout my curriculum, I've seen students feel empowered as their different preferences and learning styles are addressed. I've found that a balanced integration of tactile, kinesthetic, and visual modalities along with solid language comprehension practices can significantly impact student performance and growth, accommodating the diverse needs of all learners. All of this interconnects with my approach to the Science of Reading.

The Science of Reading (SoR)

This research has been conducted over the last five decades across the world, and it is derived from thousands of studies conducted in multiple languages. The science of reading has culminated in a preponderance of evidence to inform how proficient reading and writing develop; why some have difficulty; and how we can most effectively assess and teach and, therefore, improve student outcomes through prevention of and intervention for reading difficulties.
               The Reading League (2022). Science of Reading: Defining Guide

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Some of my action research results