Evidence-Based Practice

Read more about educational practices backed by research
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Dylan Mayes, left, reads from a book about Willie Mays during a reading circle in class on Oct. 20, 2022, in Niagara Falls, N.Y.
Dylan Mayes, left, reads from a book about Willie Mays during a reading circle in class on Oct. 20, 2022, in Niagara Falls, N.Y. After the state launched a "science of reading" initiative in 2024, implementation has been piecemeal, a new survey finds.
Joshua Bessex/AP
Reading & Literacy ‘A Good Deal of Nostalgia’: New York’s Uneven Embrace of the Science of Reading
Educators say that they're mixing new approaches with the curricula and teaching strategies they've previously used, a new survey finds.
Sarah Schwartz, July 9, 2025
6 min read
Students interact in a fourth grade classroom at William Jefferson Clinton Elementary in Compton, Calif., on Feb. 6, 2025.
Students interact in a 4th grade classroom at William Jefferson Clinton Elementary in Compton, Calif., on Feb. 6, 2025. More young students could receive instruction in phonics and other evidence-based techniques, if a long-sought state proposal is approved.
Eric Thayer/AP
Reading & Literacy California Is Poised to Pass a 'Science of Reading' Law After a Long, Tense Debate
Advocates on both sides say the compromise bill is strong, but imperfect. Will it move literacy instruction forward in the state?
Sarah Schwartz, June 12, 2025
7 min read
Richard Evans, a teacher at Hyde Park Elementary School, helps a student sound out a word during a reading circle in class on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Niagara Falls, N.Y.
Richard Evans, a teacher at Hyde Park Elementary School, helps a student sound out a word during a reading circle in class on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Niagara Falls, N.Y. Federal support for reading has waxed and waned over the years, and now the Trump Administration says it will prioritize "evidence-based" reading supports in its grant programs.
Joshua Bessex/AP
Reading & Literacy Trump's Ed. Dept. Wants to Fund 'Evidence-Based' Reading. What Will That Mean for Schools?
The agency has placed literacy squarely on its agenda amid an ongoing national "science of reading" movement.
Sarah Schwartz, May 27, 2025
9 min read
031225 Reading Month Thumbnail KM BS
Kate Medley for Education Week
Reading & Literacy Court Dismisses Reading Lawsuit Against Lucy Calkins, Other 'Balanced Literacy' Proponents
Parents alleged the reading materials had been fraudulently marketed, but a federal court declined to adjudicate the research behind the programs.
Sarah Schwartz, May 22, 2025
4 min read
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Reading scores are up! School children jump for joy because they have learned to read.
Vanessa Solis/Education Week via Canva
Reading & Literacy Opinion Bringing the Science of Reading to Your School? Remember This One Thing
The science of reading can’t succeed without the art of teaching.
Scott Gaynor, April 29, 2025
3 min read
A glowing open book with a glowing light bulb against a dark blue background.
iStock/Getty
Reading & Literacy 'Science of Reading’ Advocates Underscore: It’s Not Just About Phonics
At the Reading League's annual summit in Chicago, leaders hoped to change the narrative.
Sarah Schwartz, April 24, 2025
7 min read
A teacher sits on the floor of the classroom with three young children as she reads a story allowed to them.  The children are huddled n closely and are listening attentively.
E+
Reading & Literacy More States Are Taking Aim at a Controversial Early Reading Method
Lawmakers in some states are trying to ban the "cueing" approach, which asks students to rely on pictures or context clues to identify words.
Sarah Schwartz, April 16, 2025
6 min read
Education Week opinion letters submissions
Gwen Keraval for Education Week
Reading & Literacy Letter to the Editor Reading Comprehension Matters
Focusing on evidence-based teaching practices is critical when teaching students how to read, says this letter to the editor.
April 15, 2025
1 min read
A figure stands above pool in form of book, ready to jump in fantastic world of imagination and inspiration. Concept of knowledge, literature, education, literacy, reading, writing, phonics.
Vanessa Solis/Education Week + Anton Vierietin/iStock + Getty Images
Reading & Literacy Opinion If Literacy Is a Priority, Why Do We Cling to the Wrong Practices?
There have been two huge developments this year related to how we teach reading.
Mike Schmoker, March 25, 2025
4 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion How Teachers Can Judge the Credibility of Research
As a teacher, your time is limited. Don't waste it on programs that only serve the interest of the companies selling them.
Larry Ferlazzo, March 21, 2025
7 min read
Young girl reading in class.
E+
Reading & Literacy Reading Comprehension Teaching Has Improved—But Not Nearly Enough
A review paper of research from the past 50 years shows that many teachers still aren't deploying evidence-based methods.
Sarah Schwartz, March 20, 2025
6 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion What Teachers Should Know About Education Research
"Evidence-based" is the key piece of research in education. But what does that mean?
Larry Ferlazzo, March 4, 2025
6 min read