It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 16: The Science of Reading

This month on It's Time for Science, it's time to talk about the science of reading! Host Tom Racine talks with Leslie Lausten, M. Ed  and Dr. Jennifer Slavick, Ed. D., authors of the whitepaper FOSS Enhances the Science of Reading Through Knowledge Building.

 

Get the paper here: FOSS Enhances the Science of Reading Through Knowledge Building

 

Leslie Lausten, M.Ed has a rich background in elementary science instruction. She has taught multiple grades, was a literacy coach and science lead teacher for over 30 years. She has an MEd in Science Education (K-8) and a Reading Specialist endorsement. Currently, she is
 the East Coast FOSS Professional Learning Specialist and enjoys helping teachers implement best practices into their science classrooms through meaningful experiences and literacy integration. 

 

Dr. Jennifer Slavick, Ed.D., Director, K-12 Research Partner Engagement and Success at EAB, has a diverse professional background spanning education and educational leadership. Beginning as a high school Biology teacher, she transitioned to roles such as Assistant Director of Science for a K-12 urban charter network and Director of Professional Learning and Implementation Services for a K-8 science program. With a commitment to educational excellence and a passion for fostering a supportive environment for educators, Dr. Slavick's primary focus at EAB is on the building systems that support Science of Reading and Early Literacy initiatives, improving Teacher Morale, and Building a High-Performance District. Dr. Slavick earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Penn State University, a Masters of Education in Multicultural Education from Eastern University, and a Doctorate of Education in Education Administration and Public Policy from West Chester University. Dr. Slavick has won several awards, including the Award for Outstanding Science Teacher of the Year from the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers, and the Award for Excellence in Scholarship as well as a Certificate of Excellence from the West Chester University.

 

Tom talks with Ms. Lausten and Dr. Slavick about what exactly the science of reading is; how sections of students' brains have to work together to take text and turn it into knowledge; what Scarborough’s Reading Rope is that they discuss in their paper; the importance of incorporating background knowledge; how much more likely students are to pick up vocabulary in context (including science vocabulary!); how kids can become experts in science vocabulary through relating it to their actual experiences; how sentence frames can help students learn; the critical need for sense-making; and how all the new vocabulary and sense-making work to make text more engaging and accessible. They discuss ELD instruction and how science can work across curricula and help kids feel successful, among many other things! 

The FOSS Teacher Resource Introductory Videos that Dr. Slavick discusses are available through YouTube via the links below:

 

Teacher Resource Introductory Videos (K-2)

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