Embracing Literacy 2025 Events

Introduction:

This keynote takes on a tricky truth: even in the science of reading, not all experts see eye to eye. While some ideas are well established, others are still up for debate—with passionate voices on all sides. The presentation walks through key areas of disagreement and helps teachers make sense of the noise. Instead of waiting for perfect consensus, it encourages educators to stay curious, focus on strong evidence, and make thoughtful choices that work for their students.

This keynote takes on a tricky truth: even in the science of reading, not all experts see eye to eye. While some ideas are well established, others are still up for debate—with passionate voices on all sides. The presentation walks through key areas of disagreement and helps teachers make sense of the noise. Instead of waiting for perfect consensus, it encourages educators to stay curious, focus on strong evidence, and make thoughtful choices that work for their students.

Objectives:

• Identify key areas of agreement and disagreement among experts within the science of reading.
• Analyze how differing viewpoints in the field influence instructional practices and decision-making.
• Evaluate claims and recommendations by applying principles of strong research evidence and scientific reasoning.
• Reflect on how to remain professionally curious and open-minded in a landscape where not all answers are settled.
• Apply practical strategies for making informed, student-centered instructional choices despite ongoing debates in the field.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

• What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
• In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
• How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?