Background Knowledge Instruction Strategies

Comprehending written text is a multifaceted process that involves far more than a reader deciphering printed words on a page.

When planning for instruction, teachers will want to prioritize knowledge that supports the major understandings of the lesson or unit and then consider the instructional language and activities that utilize the elements of activation, building, and integration before, during, and after reading. Read the full post.

Additional resource: READ podcast episode 50, How to integrate background knowledge and writing into reading instructions with Dr. Sonia Cabell. Watch and listen.

Read the full post

The Data Speaks:

New survey results released in EducationWeek (January, 2024):

63% of educators noted that students in grades 3-8 who struggle with reading comprehension lacked the background knowledge necessary to understand texts. Read the report.

Attend the virtual workshop:

Building Comprehension with Background and Content Knowledge

January 23, 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.

The Reading-Writing Connection: A Powerful Partnership

Betsy MacDermott-Duffy, Director of Language Arts and Instruction at The Windward School discusses the powerful reading-writing connection and implications for classroom instruction.

Join us, Thursday, February 15 at 4 p.m. (ET)

This live virtual event is free to attend. Registration is required.

Celebrating the Passage of the Dyslexia Task Force Act

The Windward Institute (WI) offers congratulations to both New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul, who signed into law this January a bill that will create a statewide dyslexia task force, and to Windward alumnus and WI Advisory Board Member Bobby Carroll ’04, who worked tirelessly for years to craft this legislation and gain its support in the State Assembly. The task force will be responsible for developing new guidelines for screening students for reading disabilities and supporting K-5 instruction for students with language-based learning disabilities. Read more here.

Ushering in a New Era with a Reimagined Beacon

The 2024 Beacon, an annual publication of The Windward Institute, is dedicated to the Science of Reading and marks a significant milestone in The Institute’s commitment to synthesizing the latest research on reading and language-based learning disabilities.

Don’t miss out on this comprehensive resource. Sign up for a free digital copy.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Why PD with The Windward Institute?

The workshops and courses offered at The Windward Institute support high quality professional learning in the science of reading and the implementation of evidence-based practices.

The Data Speaks:

Five state policy actions to strengthen the implementation of the Science of Reading. Access the NCTQ State of the States 2024 report.

Upcoming Evening Workshops (Eastern Standard Time)

Math educators, don't miss this one! Secure your spot!

Math Task Analysis and Systematic Supports for Math Learners

January 29, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Stress in School and Social Settings: Proactive Practices to Promote Well-Being and Performance

January 31, 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Advanced Decoding Strategies of Multisyllabic Words

February 6, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Vocabulary: Teaching for Breadth and Depth

February 8, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Winter 2024 PD Offerings and Featured Reading Comprehension Bundles

READ Podcast: Research Education ADvocacy

READ Podcast Episode 52:

READ podcast host Danielle Gomez, EdD, synthesizes key insights from READ guests in 2023, highlights current research from the broader community, and forecasts opportunities and challenges for the future of implementation of research in practice.

Access the full conversation, bookmarks, and free resources.

Listen and Subscribe

The Windward Institute | thewindwardschool.org/wi

The Windward Institute is a division of The Windward School

The Windward Institute's Mission:

To increase childhood literacy rates by disrupting the educational status quo

to save more lives