The Science of Reading in Action: Five Evidence-Based Fundamentals

5. Professional Learning & Usability

Professional learning should provide curriculum-based support at every stage of program implementation, promote pedagogical knowledge building, model evidence-based best practices with instructional coaching, and foster collaboration between educators through professional conversation.

When teachers are supported with effective professional learning, everyone benefits.

Skilled teachers have a greater influence on student achievement than any other school variable.

—Opper, 2019; Chetty, Friedman & Rockoff, 2014

High-quality instructional materials (HQIM) align to standards, support rigorous instruction, are grounded in research, reflect diversity and inclusiveness, and are usable.

Usability is not much discussed as an element of high-quality materials, but with the right components in hand, easy to navigate and implement, teachers are more likely to use those resources with fidelity (Wang, Tuma, Doan, Henry, Lawrence, Woo & Kaufman, 2021)—saving time and increasing their effectiveness.

High-quality instructional materials matter too. When paired together, a teacher’s skilled use of effective materials boosts student outcomes.

—Chingos & Whitehurst, 2012

Classroom

Applications

Teacher professional learning will prove effective when it:

Possesses a cohesive vision
Cultivates teacher autonomy
Is ample, sustained, and connected
Regards teachers’ different learning needs
Promotes collaboration

—Herrmann & Grossman (2021)

But this pairing does not occur naturally, without support. Instead, evidence points to a critical variable— professional learning.

—Doan, Kaufman, Woo, Prado, Diliberti & Lee, 2002

Ongoing Professional Learning

As educators, we form a community of perpetual learners, emphasizing our commitment to continuous learning. Take advantage of opportunities provided at your school or district to further your professional learning. Beyond that, look for ways to sustain your learning throughout the year and align it to your professional goals.

Ways to integrate and sustain your professional learning:

Study your curriculum. Watch on-demand product trainings and attend trainings.
Register for webinars led by literacy experts. Look for webinars on topics related to your professional goals or led by authors of your literacy curriculum.
Listen to podcasts/interviews. Follow literacy experts and keep saved searches related to topics.