The Science of Reading/Literacy

Presenter: 

Sarah Perle, M.Ed.
President, The Reading League Maine chapter
Literacy Lead Teacher, Yarmouth Elementary School

As The Reading League states, “The science of reading is a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing.
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.”

Join Sarah Perle, M.Ed. for a breakout session to explore what the science of reading is - including the science of writing.  We will look at The Simple View of Reading, The Simple View of Writing, The Active View of Reading, The Reading Rope and The Writing Rope.  Participants will explore how the science of reading translates into practice by looking at the transition from balanced literacy to structured literacy (including spelling), in addition to knowledge-building curricula.  

About the Presenter: Sarah is the president of The Reading League Maine chapter and has been the literacy specialist at Yarmouth Elementary School in Yarmouth, Maine since 2012. Prior to these roles, Sarah taught second grade and fourth grade.  As a literacy specialist, and through her Wilson Reading System certification, Sarah worked to integrate systematic literacy instruction into her MTSS (RtI) tiered supports.  However, it wasn’t until Sarah took the two-year LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training, founded the Maine chapter of The Reading League, and shifted tier one practices, that she saw the hugely beneficial impacts of structured literacy instruction for her students.  Sarah lives in Topsham, Maine with her husband and daughter.