SCHOOL FOR THOUGHT

Who Knew II?:  Decoding Instruction Improves Reading and Spelling Skills

What is stating the obvious to probably all of us, is still not the priority for today's schools - so say the researchers of the latest overview of studies on effective instruction.

In Using Encoding Instruction to Improve the Reading and Spelling Performances of Elementary Students At Risk for Literacy Difficulties: A Best-Evidence Synthesis Southern Methodist University professors, Beverly Weiser and Patricia Mathes, found "that systematic instruction in helping students to convert speech into print promotes not just spelling, but also reading competence. What is more, the benefits appear to persist over time."

When will the faculties of education and ministries of education both get it?