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Structured literacy

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Structured literacy (SL), according to the International Dyslexia Association (which coined the term), is the systematic teaching of reading that focuses on the following elements: [1][2][3][4]

  • Phonology: the sound structure of spoken words and Phonemic awareness (the ability to recognize, segment, blend, and manipulate sounds)
  • Sound-symbol association: using the Alphabetic principle to connect sounds (phonemes) to letters (graphemes)
  • Syllables: part of a word with one vowel sound, with or without a consonant
  • Morphology: the smallest unit of meaning in language
  • Syntax: grammar, sentence structure, etc.
  • Semantics: meaning.

SL is taught using the following principles:[1]

  • Systematic: begin with the basic and easiest concepts and elements, and progress to the more difficult and complex
  • Cumulative: each step builds on a previous step
  • Explicit: direct teaching and continuous teacher-student interaction
  • Multisensory: using different senses, e.g., visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile to enhance attention and memory
  • Diagnostic: using informal and formal assessments to individualize instruction

It is beneficial for all early literacy learners, especially those with reading disabilities such as dyslexia.[1][5][6][7][8][9]

SL has many of the elements of systematic phonics and few of the elements of balanced literacy. The following is an explanation of how Structured literacy is different from Balanced literacy.[10][11][12][13]

Feature Structured literacy Balanced literacy
Basis Science of reading Whole language
Teaching method Direct, explicit, systematic, cumulative, and multisensory Implicit, constructivist, and less structured
Phonics Taught via the alphabetic principle, systematically, including the most frequent phonemes (sounds) and graphemes (letters), beginning with the easiest and progressing to the more complex Taught as needed or not at all
Reading decoding and sounding out words read the whole word using cues (context, word analogies, and pictures)
Areas covered Phonology, phonemic awareness, sound-symbol association, syllables, morphology, syntax, and semantics Learn from exposure, reading, instruction, and support in multiple environments
Effectiveness[14] a mean unweighted effect size of .47, and a fixed weighted mean effect size of .44. Structured literacy approaches "tend to yield larger positive effects on student learning compared to balanced literacy approaches" a mean unweighted effect size of .21, and a weighted mean effect size of .33.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "What Is Structured Literacy, International Dyslexia Association, Pikesville, MD, USA". 2016.
  2. ^ "Structured Literacy, An Introductory Guide, International Dyslexia Association, Pikesville, MD, USA" (PDF). 2019.
  3. ^ "Structured Literacy Instruction: The Basics, Reading rockets".
  4. ^ Spear-Swerling, Louise (2019). "EDUCATOR TRAINING INITIATIVES BRIEF Structured Literacy, an Introductory Guide".
  5. ^ Louise Spear-Swerling (2019-01-23). "Structured Literacy and Typical Literacy Practices". Council for Exceptional Children, Arlington, VA, USA. 51 (3). doi:10.1177/0040059917750160. S2CID 149516059.
  6. ^ Center, Yola; Freeman, Louela (1996). "The Use of a Structured Literacy Program to Facilitate the Inclusion of Marginal and Special Education Students into Regular Classes" (PDF). Sydney, NSW, Australia: School of Education Macquarie University.
  7. ^ Heidi Turchan (March 28, 2023). "Partner spotlight: Putting the science of reading into practice".
  8. ^ "Colorado dyslexia handbook, Structured literacy".
  9. ^ "Instructional Approaches in Language, Department of education, Ontario Canada". 2023.
  10. ^ Gibson, Kenny; Hall, Julie Anne; Angrum, Cartessia (April 14, 2021). "Structured Literacy vs Balanced Literacy, Mississippi Department of Education" (PDF).
  11. ^ Lorimor-Easley, Nina A.; Reed, Deborah K. (April 9, 2019). "An Explanation of Structured Literacy, and a Comparison to Balanced Literacy, The University of Iowa".
  12. ^ "Structured Literacy vs. Balanced Literacy: Understanding the Difference, Institute of Multi-Sensory Education". August 7, 2024.
  13. ^ Caitlyn Schreck (2023). "Throwing the Baby Out with the Bathwater: What Should Remain from Balanced Literacy". Texas Journal of Literacy Education. 10 (2). ISSN 2374-7404.
  14. ^ Hansford, Nathaniel; Dueker, Scott; Garforth, Kathryn; Grande, Jill D. (2024). "Structured Literacy Compared to Balanced Literacy: A meta-analysis". Research Gate. doi:10.17605/OSF.IO/K7Y4C.
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