RESOURCE LIBRARY
This curated collection brings together research, policy analyses, and perspectives from the field to inform literacy instruction and advocacy, with particular attention to multilingual learners. Explore the categories, tags, and search to find resources that support comprehensive, equitable approaches to literacy.
| Citation | Description | Categories | Tags | View | hf:tax:category | hf:tax:post_tag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson, Jill. 2023. “To Weather the ‘Literacy Crisis,’ Do What Works.” Harvard EdCast, Harvard Graduate School of Education, March 24, 2023. | Podcast with Catherine Snow, discussing whether the data actually shows a “literacy crisis.” | Pedagogy, Science of reading | Good for non-specialists, No paywall | Link | pedagogy science-of-reading | good-for-non-specialists no-paywall |
| Ascenzi-Moreno, Laura, and Cecilia M. Espinosa. 2026. “NYSABE Position Statement: Literacy Development for Young Multilingual Learners in the Age of the Science of Reading,” New York State Association for Bilingual Education, May 2, 2026. | NYSABE position statement in response to state reading policies | Advocacy, Multilingual learners, Science of reading, State issues | No paywall | Link | advocacy multilingual-learners science-of-reading state-issues | no-paywall |
| Ascenzi-Moreno, Laura, and Cecilia M. Espinosa. 2026. Meeting the Moment: Literacy Development for Young Emergent Multilingual Students in the Age of the Science of Reading. New York State Association for Bilingual Education. | Overview of literacy and biliteracy development in multilingual learners | Biliteracy, Comprehensive approach, Literature review, Multilingual learners, Science of reading, State issues | No paywall | Link | biliteracy comprehensive-approach literature-review multilingual-learners science-of-reading state-issues | no-paywall |
| Ascenzi-Moreno, Laura. 2024. “Toward a Multilingual Perspective on Reading: Aligning Emergent Bilinguals Resources with Theories of Reading and Implications for Instruction.” The Reading Teacher 77 (6): 918–26. | Framework for bringing theories together to center emergent bilingual students in reading instruction. | Best practices, Biliteracy, Comprehensive approach, Multilingual learners, Pedagogy | Link | best-practices biliteracy comprehensive-approach multilingual-learners pedagogy | ||
| Ashchi, Terri. 2026. “‘I Can Read, But I Don’t Know What it Means’: Rethinking Literacy for Multilingual Learners,” (perspective) Education NC, February 4, 2026. | To ensure development of multilingual learners’ comprehension with science of reading curricula, the author recommends culturally representative texts, read-alouds, vocabulary, collaborative talk, translanguaging, and family partnerships. | Best practices, Comprehensive approach, Multilingual learners, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | best-practices comprehensive-approach multilingual-learners science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Aukerman, Maren S., Rachel J. Birch, and Leanne Fray. 2026. “Children’s Inalienable Literacy Education Rights and the Science of Reading.” Reading Research Quarterly 61 (2). | Presents a rights-affirming literacy framework, drawn from rights established at the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). | Advocacy, Pedagogy | No paywall | Link | advocacy pedagogy | no-paywall |
| Aukerman, Maren, and Lorien Chambers Schuldt. 2021. “What Matters Most? Toward a Robust and Socially Just Science of Reading.” Reading Research Quarterly 56, no. S1: S85–S103. | Presents a holistic conception of reading that includes elements such as reading engagement and honoring students’ cultural backgrounds. | Comprehensive approach, Literacy components, Pedagogy, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | comprehensive-approach literacy-components pedagogy science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Aukerman, Maren. 2022. “The Science of Reading and the Media: How Do Current Reporting Patterns Cause Damage?” Literacy Research Association (blog), December 14, 2022. | Critique of the media’s depiction of SOR and the potential consequences such misrepresentation could bring about. | Science of reading | Good for non-specialists, No paywall | Link | science-of-reading | good-for-non-specialists no-paywall |
| Aukerman, Maren. 2022. “The Science of Reading and the Media: Is Reporting Biased?” Literacy Research Association (blog), November 23, 2022. | Discusses four types of biases in SOR journalism including lack of balance and logical fallacies | Science of reading | Good for non-specialists, No paywall | Link | science-of-reading | good-for-non-specialists no-paywall |
| Aukerman, Maren. 2024. “Toward Comprehensive, Research-Informed Literacy Instruction: Thinking With, Against, and Beyond the Science of Reading.” Lecture, Ithaca College Department of Education Spring Educational Freedom Lecture Series, February 22, 2024. | Lecture recording of Maren Aukerman on SOR and the media | Comprehensive approach, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | comprehensive-approach science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Aydarova, Elena. 2024. “What You See Is Not What You Get: Science of Reading Reforms as a Guise for Standardization, Centralization, and Privatization.” American Journal of Education 130 (4). | The study documents how the focus on the “science of reading” disguises pursuits of conservative think tanks and major philanthropies in promoting curriculum reforms. | Science of reading, State issues | Empirical research, No paywall | Link | science-of-reading state-issues | empirical-research no-paywall |
| Baker, Doris Luft, et al. 2012. “Effects of a Paired Bilingual Reading Program and an English-Only Program on the Reading Performance of English Learners in Grades 1–3.” Journal of School Psychology 50 (6): 737–58. | Research paper comparing the effects of a paired bilingual program to those of an English-only reading program on English reading outcomes for Spanish-speaking ML/ELs. | Biliteracy, Multilingual learners | Empirical research | Link | biliteracy multilingual-learners | empirical-research |
| Baker, Scott, et al. 2014. Teaching Academic Content and Literacy to English Learners in Elementary and Middle School. Educators Practice Guide. Washington, DC: Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education. | Practical recommendations on teaching vocabulary, oral language, reading, and writing to ML/ELs. | Best practices, Content instruction, Literacy components, Multilingual learners | No paywall | Link | best-practices content-instruction literacy-components multilingual-learners | no-paywall |
| Borman, Trisha H., Geoffrey D. Borman, So Jung Park, Bo Zhu, and Scott Houghton. 2024. “The Spanish- and English-Language Literacy Impacts of Descubriendo La Lectura across Three Experimental Replications.” Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness 17 (4): 978–1007. | Research paper on the effects of an intervention program designed for Spanish-speaking first graders struggling with reading. | Best practices, Biliteracy, Multilingual learners | Empirical research | Link | best-practices biliteracy multilingual-learners | empirical-research |
| Briceño, Allison, and Claudia Rodriguez-Mojica. 2024. “One Size Doesn’t Fit All in Learning How to Read,” EdSource, January 6, 2024 | Argues scripted, one-size-fits-all reading curricula are legally risky, urging differentiated, culturally responsive instruction for ML/ELs and students with disabilities. | Comprehensive approach, Multilingual learners, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | comprehensive-approach multilingual-learners science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Californians Together and Teach Plus. 2025. Considerations and Suggestions When Adopting a Reading Difficulties Screener for Multilingual Learners. Californians Together and Teach Plus. | A brief that provides key issues to consider and questions to guide decision-making during district adoption and implementation of screeners used to identify students who may require additional instructional support for reading difficulties. | Assessment, Best practices, Biliteracy, Dyslexia, Multilingual learners | Good for non-specialists, No paywall | Link | assessment best-practices biliteracy dyslexia multilingual-learners | good-for-non-specialists no-paywall |
| Cervetti, Gina N., et al. 2020. “How the Reading for Understanding Initiative’s Research Complicates the Simple View of Reading Invoked in the Science of Reading.” Reading Research Quarterly 55, no. S1: S161–S172. | Discusses support for the SVR model as well as limitations to its centrality in the science of reading debate. | Literacy components, Literature review, Science of reading | Link | literacy-components literature-review science-of-reading | ||
| Connor, Carol M., and Frederick J. Morrison. 2016. “Individualizing Student Instruction in Reading: Implications for Policy and Practice.” Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences 3 (1): 54–61. | Describes how research supports the efficacy of individualizing or personalizing student instruction. | Assessment, Best practices, Literature review, Pedagogy | No paywall | Link | assessment best-practices literature-review pedagogy | no-paywall |
| Connor, Carol M., Paul A. Alberto, Donald L. Compton, and Rollanda E. O’Connor. 2014. Improving Reading Outcomes for Students with or at Risk for Reading Disabilities: A Synthesis of the Contributions from the Institute of Education Sciences Research Centers. Washington, DC: National Center for Special Education Research, Institute for Education Sciences. | Reviews IES-funded research on ways to prevent and remediate reading difficulties in students with or at risk for reading disabilities. | Assessment, Dyslexia, Literacy components, Literature review | No paywall | Link | assessment dyslexia literacy-components literature-review | no-paywall |
| Council of the Great City Schools. 2023. A Framework for Foundational Literacy Skills Instruction for English Learners: Instructional Practice and Materials Considerations. Washington, DC: CGCS. | A review of the literature on general and ML/EL-specific early literacy and a framework for foundational literacy skills instruction for ML/ELs. | Best practices, Comprehensive approach, Literacy components, Literature review, Multilingual learners | No paywall | Link | best-practices comprehensive-approach literacy-components literature-review multilingual-learners | no-paywall |
| Cummins, Jim. 2007. “Pedagogies for the Poor? Realigning Reading Instruction for Low-Income Students with Scientifically Based Reading Research.” Educational Researcher 36 (9): 564–72. | Criticism of National Reading Panel report, scripted reading programs for low-income students | Literature review, Reading First (NCLB) | Link | literature-review reading-first-nclb | ||
| Cummins, Jim. 2022. “Ontario Human Rights Commission Right to Read Report: Sincere, Passionate, Flawed.” Journal of Teaching and Learning 16 (1): 85–92. | A criticism of claims made in the Right to Read report about Ontario schools’ treatment of students with dyslexia. | Dyslexia, Reading First (NCLB), Science of reading | No paywall | Link | dyslexia reading-first-nclb science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Cummins, Jim. 2023. “Right to Read Implies Opportunity to Read: A Contribution to the Ongoing Dialogue Concerning the Ontario Human Rights Commission Right to Read Report.” Journal of Teaching and Learning 17 (1): 129–44. | Criticism of the Right to Read report. Argues that it omitted consideration of significant dimensions of literacy acquisition and development that are directly relevant. | Comprehensive approach, Literacy components, Reading First (NCLB) | No paywall | Link | comprehensive-approach literacy-components reading-first-nclb | no-paywall |
| Darling-Hammond, Linda. 2022. “What It Will Take to Ensure Literacy for All California Students?” EdSource, August 18, 2022. | Article discusses California’s progress and needs to ensuring literacy for all children, what the science of reading suggests, and what the state should do to accomplish the goal. | Advocacy, Science of reading, State issues | Good for non-specialists, No paywall | Link | advocacy science-of-reading state-issues | good-for-non-specialists no-paywall |
| Darling-Hammond, Linda. 2026. “Improving Student Achievement: What Red and Blue States Are Doing Right.” Learning Policy Institute, March 4, 2026. | Argues that we have to learn from both red and blue states to fully understand the achievement landscape. | State issues | Good for non-specialists, No paywall | Link | state-issues | good-for-non-specialists no-paywall |
| de Jong, Ester, and Socorro Herrera. 2024. “Asking the Right Question: Teaching Reading to Bilingual Learners.” EL Gazette, no. 488. | Discusses how to contextualize phonics instruction for bilingual learners. | Comprehensive approach, Content instruction, Multilingual learners, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | comprehensive-approach content-instruction multilingual-learners science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| de Jong, Ester, and Socorro Herrera. 2025. “When Teachers Adapt,” Language Magazine, October 30, 2025. | Interviews with ML/EL teachers show them adapting rigid science-of-reading curricula through scaffolding, engagement strategies, and cultural connections despite constraints. | Best practices, Comprehensive approach, Multilingual learners, Science of reading | Empirical research, No paywall | Link | best-practices comprehensive-approach multilingual-learners science-of-reading | empirical-research no-paywall |
| Dual Language Education of New Mexico (DLeNM) Professional Development Team. 2023. “Addressing the Intersection of the Science of Reading and Biliteracy Development.” Soleado, Spring 2023. | Highlights four projects or organizations that center their work on ML/EL students and show promising practices in the field. | Best practices, Biliteracy, Comprehensive approach, Multilingual learners, Pedagogy | No paywall | Link | best-practices biliteracy comprehensive-approach multilingual-learners pedagogy | no-paywall |
| Duke, Nell K. 2020. “When Young Readers Get Stuck,” Educational Leadership 78 (3). | Explains research-based prompts teachers should use when young readers struggle with word identification, accuracy, or text comprehension | Best practices, Pedagogy | No paywall | Link | best-practices pedagogy | no-paywall |
| Duke, Nell K., and Kelly B. Cartwright. 2021. “The Science of Reading Progresses: Communicating Advances Beyond the Simple View of Reading.” Reading Research Quarterly 56 (S1). | Describes the complexity of reading and proposes an alternative model to the “simple view of reading” | Comprehensive approach, Literacy components, Literature review, Pedagogy, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | comprehensive-approach literacy-components literature-review pedagogy science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Durán, Leah, and Michiko Hikida. 2022. “Making Sense of Reading’s Forever Wars.” Phi Delta Kappan 103 (8): 14–19. | Argues the “reading wars” reflect a manufactured pedagogical crisis, masking deeper equity and structural issues including funding, facilities, teacher turnover that phonics-focused reforms alone can’t fix. | Advocacy, Science of reading | Good for non-specialists, No paywall | Link | advocacy science-of-reading | good-for-non-specialists no-paywall |
| Elliott, Julian G. 2020. “It’s Time to Be Scientific About Dyslexia.“ Reading Research Quarterly 55 (S1): S61–75. | Discusses common conceptions of dyslexia and the implications these have for struggling readers. Argues that the construction of the dyslexic individual often favors more socially privileged students, undermining attempts to support all students. | Dyslexia | No paywall | Link | dyslexia | no-paywall |
| Escamilla, Kathy, and Kimberly Strong. 2025. Voices from the Field: Impact of the Implementation of the Science of Reading Instruction and Policy on Emergent Bilingual/English Learner Literacy Programs and Teachers. National Committee for Effective Literacy. | This study reports how the science of reading is implemented in various contexts in classrooms serving ML/ELs | Best practices, Biliteracy, Multilingual learners, Science of reading | Empirical research, No paywall | Link | best-practices biliteracy multilingual-learners science-of-reading | empirical-research no-paywall |
| Escamilla, Kathy, Laurie Olsen, and Jody Slavick. 2022. Toward Comprehensive Effective Literacy Policy and Instruction for English Learner/Emergent Bilingual Students. National Committee for Effective Literacy. | This white paper discusses how literacy instruction for ML/ELs should differ from instruction for monolinguals and the failure of one-size-fits-all approaches to meet ML/EL needs. | Biliteracy, Comprehensive approach, Literacy components, Multilingual learners, Pedagogy, Reading First (NCLB), Science of reading | No paywall | Link | biliteracy comprehensive-approach literacy-components multilingual-learners pedagogy reading-first-nclb science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Ferlazzo, Larry. 2026. “What the ‘Science of Reading’ Movement Has Meant for English Learners,” Education Week, April 9, 2026. | Reflections from three bilingual educators on the impact of science of reading on instruction for multilingual learners | Best practices, Multilingual learners, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | best-practices multilingual-learners science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Gabriel, Rachael E. 2020. “Converting to Privatization: A Discourse Analysis of Dyslexia Policy Narratives.” American Educational Research Journal 57 (1): 305–38. | Discusses the framing of dyslexia narratives portraying schools as obstructive and private educational products/providers as saviors. | Advocacy, Dyslexia, Legislation | Empirical research | Link | advocacy dyslexia legislation | empirical-research |
| Gabriel, Rachael. 2020. “The Future of the Science of Reading.” The Reading Teacher 74 (1): 11–18. | Traces how the “telephone game” from research to policy to practice distorts evidence and urges a more inclusive, culturally responsive science of reading. | Comprehensive approach, Literature review, Science of reading | Link | comprehensive-approach literature-review science-of-reading | ||
| Gearin, Brian, Rajendra Chattergoon, Young-Suk G. Kim, Shayne B. Piasta, and Elizabeth C. Brooke. 2025. “Evaluating a Professional Development Program and Third-Grade Reading Achievement Outcomes in the Context of Colorado’s Read Act.” The Elementary School Journal 126 (2). | Finds that Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) was not more effective than other programs in improving student reading ability. | Pedagogy, State issues | Empirical research | Link | pedagogy state-issues | empirical-research |
| Goldenberg, Claude. 2021. “Science of Reading Advocates Have a Messaging Problem.” Education Week, May 3, 2021. | Argues that the definition of science of reading is too vague to be meaningful and that research shows instruction must include balance of tools. | Advocacy, Best practices, Comprehensive approach, Science of reading | Good for non-specialists, No paywall | Link | advocacy best-practices comprehensive-approach science-of-reading | good-for-non-specialists no-paywall |
| Gottlieb, Margo. 2023. Right from the Start: Enriching Learning Experiences for Multilingual Learners through Multiliteracies. Washington, DC: Center for Applied Linguistics. | Examination of the policies and practices concerning the expansion of literacy to multiliteracies and the impact on teachers and ML/ELs. | Best practices, Biliteracy, Comprehensive approach, Multilingual learners, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | best-practices biliteracy comprehensive-approach multilingual-learners science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Guilamo, Alexandra. 2021. “The Science of Reading in Dual Language.” Language Magazine, April 20, 2021. | Learning to read in Spanish and English is different from learning to read in English only. | Biliteracy, Multilingual learners, Pedagogy, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | biliteracy multilingual-learners pedagogy science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Hattan, Courtney, and Natalia Kucirkova. 2026. “Centering Equity in the Science of Reading.” Reading Research Quarterly 61, no. 3 (2026): e70129. | This paper introduces a special collection examining how reading science can better center equity and asset-based pedagogy. It calls for greater transparency, policy scrutiny, and international research. | Science of reading | Link | science-of-reading | ||
| Heller, Rafael. 2022. “Taking Stock of the Science of Reading: A Conversation with Amanda Goodwin.” Phi Delta Kappan 103 (8): 32–36. | Interview with Amanda Goodwin, co-editor of Reading Research Quarterly about finding consensus in the meaning of the science of reading. | Science of reading | No paywall | Link | science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Hernandez, Martha, and Laurie Olsen. 2024. “Embracing English Learners in a Science of Reading Era.” EL Gazette, no. 488. | Describes the joint statement between the NCEL and The Reading League that positions foundational reading skills as components within a comprehensive literacy approach for ML/ELs. | Comprehensive approach, Multilingual learners, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | comprehensive-approach multilingual-learners science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Herrera, Socorro G., Martha I. Martinez, Laurie Olsen, and Sonia Soltero. 2023. Early Literacy Development and Instruction for Dual Language Learners in Early Childhood Education. National Committee for Effective Literacy. | The purpose of this paper is to describe literacy development and effective literacy instruction for young dual language learners | Biliteracy, Multilingual learners, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | biliteracy multilingual-learners science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Herrera, Socorro, and Ester de Jong. 2023. “English Literacy for Multilingual Learners: Voices from the Field.” Language Magazine. | Expands the dialogue on the science of reading by discussing ML/EL teacher perspectives | Best practices, Comprehensive approach, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | best-practices comprehensive-approach science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Hoffman, James V., Michiko Hikida, and Misty Sailors. 2020. “Contesting Science That Silences: Amplifying Equity, Agency, and Design Research in Literacy Teacher Preparation.” Reading Research Quarterly 55 (1): S255–66. | Criticizes the SOR movement’s silencing of literacy teacher educators. | Literature review, Science of reading | Link | literature-review science-of-reading | ||
| Hoffman, James V., Sonia Q. Cabell, Sandra Barrueco, Etta R. Hollins, and P. David Pearson. 2021. “Critical Issues in the Science of Reading: Striving for a Wide-Angle View in Research.” Literacy Research: Theory, Method, and Practice, 70: 87–105. | Argues the term SOR in common use is too narrow; effective English language arts instruction is content-rich. Includes section on ML/ELs focusing on collaboration across research areas and using better assessments | Assessment, Comprehensive approach, Multilingual learners, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | assessment comprehensive-approach multilingual-learners science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Howard, Sarah Marie. 2025. Legislating Literacy Instruction: Where Are Multilingual Learners? Center for Applied Linguistics. | A state-by-state comparative analysis of how ML/ELs are present in SOR legislation. | Legislation, Multilingual learners, Science of reading, State issues | No paywall | Link | legislation multilingual-learners science-of-reading state-issues | no-paywall |
| Hurwitz, Anya. 2024. “A Message from SEAL Executive Director: Why the ‘Science of Reading’ Isn’t Enough.” SEAL Blog, May 15, 2024. | A criticism of the narrow focus and English-centric nature of the science of reading. Advocates for a more expansive approach to literacy instruction that supports ML/ELs. | Comprehensive approach, Science of reading | Good for non-specialists, No paywall | Link | comprehensive-approach science-of-reading | good-for-non-specialists no-paywall |
| Instruction Partners. 2024. “Five Questions about Reading Curricula That Can Help Multilingual Learners.” Blog post, June 13, 2024. | A question guide to determine how well early literacy curricular materials address the needs of ML/ELs. | Best practices, Multilingual learners | Good for non-specialists, No paywall | Link | best-practices multilingual-learners | good-for-non-specialists no-paywall |
| Jennerjohn, Anna, et al. 2026. Bridging the Divide: Connecting Word Recognition and Language Comprehension in Early Literacy. SRI. | This brief focuses on bridges between word recognition and language comprehension and describes findings from a study on bridging in four urban districts | Literacy components, Pedagogy | Empirical research, No paywall | Link | literacy-components pedagogy | empirical-research no-paywall |
| Jiménez, Robert T., Georgia Earnest García, and P. David Pearson. 1996. “The Reading Strategies of Bilingual Latina/o Students Who Are Successful English Readers: Opportunities and Obstacles.” Reading Research Quarterly 31, no. 1: 90–112. | This study investigates how Spanish/English bilingualism affects metacognition and finds that participants possess a qualitatively unique fund of strategic reading knowledge. | Biliteracy, Multilingual learners | Empirical research | Link | biliteracy multilingual-learners | empirical-research |
| Johnston, Peter, and Donna Scanlon. 2021. An Examination of Dyslexia Research and Instruction with Policy Implications. LaGrange, GA: Literacy Research Association. | Thorough examination of issues related to dyslexia (definition, diagnosis, and instruction); includes discussion of SOR advocacy and public discourse, and alternative ways to think about reading difficulties | Advocacy, Assessment, Dyslexia, Literature review, Pedagogy, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | advocacy assessment dyslexia literature-review pedagogy science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Kim, James S., et al. 2024. “Time to Transfer: Long-Term Effects of a Sustained and Spiraled Content Literacy Intervention in the Elementary Grades.” Developmental Psychology 60 (7): 1279–97. | Study on the effects of a sustained content literacy intervention that emphasizes building domain and topic knowledge schemas and vocabulary for elementary-grade students. | Content instruction, Pedagogy | Empirical research, No paywall | Link | content-instruction pedagogy | empirical-research no-paywall |
| Kittle, Jonathan M., Steven J. Amendum, and Christina M. Budde. 2024. “What Does Research Say about the Science of Reading for K–5 Multilingual Learners? A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews.” Educational Psychology Review 36, article 108. | An umbrella review of systematic reviews on the SOR and SOR for ML/ELs. | Literature review, Multilingual learners, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | literature-review multilingual-learners science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Larson, Amelia. 2026. “Multilingual Learners Cannot Be an Asterisk in the Nation’s Literacy Agenda,” National Committee for Effective Literacy. | Summary of the closing panel of the inaugural National Committee for Effective Literacy (NCEL) Summit and call to action for what educators and system leaders can do to improve literacy instruction for multilingual learners. | Advocacy, Best practices, Multilingual learners, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | advocacy best-practices multilingual-learners science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Larson, Amelia. 2026. “The Next Frontier in Multilingual Literacy: Designing Coherent Systems,” Summit K-12. | Three studies find multilingual learners gain more in language, reading, and achievement when literacy and implementation work as one coherent system. | Assessment, Comprehensive approach, Literacy components, Multilingual learners, Science of reading | Empirical research, No paywall | Link | assessment comprehensive-approach literacy-components multilingual-learners science-of-reading | empirical-research no-paywall |
| Larson, Amelia. 2026. “Teaching the Code. Building the Reader: Five Shifts to Keep the Science of Reading from Becoming the Science of Phonics,” Summit K-12. | This article offers practical shifts to close the gap between word recognition and meaning-making—connecting decoding to meaning, diagnosing before adding practice, building flexibility, and moving students toward real reading and writing. | Best practices, Comprehensive approach, Literacy components, Multilingual learners, Pedagogy, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | best-practices comprehensive-approach literacy-components multilingual-learners pedagogy science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Lavadenz, Magaly, Ester de Jong, and Patricia Venegas-Weber. 2025. Teacher Education for Effective Literacy Instruction for English/Emerging Bilingual Learners. National Committee for Effective Literacy | This digest identifies the knowledge and skills teachers need to teach literacy to ML/ELs | Biliteracy, Multilingual learners, Pedagogy | No paywall | Link | biliteracy multilingual-learners pedagogy | no-paywall |
| Leider, Christine Montecillo, and C. Patrick Proctor. 2024. “Toward a Dynamic Idiolect: Multilingual Perspectives on the ‘Science of Reading.’” Educational Psychologist 59 (4): 250–62. | Proposes a process through which the field can move toward a more multilingual SOR. | Biliteracy, Multilingual learners, Science of reading | Link | biliteracy multilingual-learners science-of-reading | ||
| Lexia Learning. 2025. “How the Science of Reading Works for English Learners.” Blog post, August 5, 2025. | Overview of SOR and the needs of ML/ELs. | Biliteracy, Multilingual learners, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | biliteracy multilingual-learners science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Mann, Jennifer. 2026. “We Can’t Improve Reading Outcomes If We Ignore Teacher Preparation for Multilingual Learners in North Carolina,” (perspective) Education NC, August 10, 2026. | Acknowledging strides in statewide policy, the author urges stronger multilingual preparation in teacher licensure and in statewide literacy initiatives. | Multilingual learners, Science of reading, State issues | No paywall | Link | multilingual-learners science-of-reading state-issues | no-paywall |
| Mora, Jill Kerper, Barbara Flores, and Esteban Díaz. 2024. “Response to ‘English Learners and the Science of Reading.‘” The Grade, Phi Delta Kappan, August 5, 2024. | A critique of an interview with Claude Goldenberg. | Science of reading | No paywall | Link | science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Mosquera, Amy. 2024. “Make a Plan for Oracy.” Language Magazine, July 17, 2024. | Emphasizes the role of oracy in developing foundational skills for ML/ELs. | Best practices, Multilingual learners, Pedagogy | No paywall | Link | best-practices multilingual-learners pedagogy | no-paywall |
| Muñoz-Muñoz, Eduardo R., Claude Goldenberg, and Maryia Krivoruchko. 2023. Narrowing Down to Find Common Ground: Shared Agreements for Effective Literacy Instruction in California. Oakland, CA: Pivot Learning. | Shares collective consensus among literacy experts about what constitutes evidence-based and comprehensive early literacy instruction. | Advocacy, Dyslexia, Literacy components, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | advocacy dyslexia literacy-components science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2017. Promoting the Educational Success of Children and Youth Learning English: Promising Futures. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. | A comprehensive examination of research relevant to ML/ELs. | Assessment, Biliteracy, Content instruction, Literacy components, Literature review, Multilingual learners, Pedagogy | No paywall | Link | assessment biliteracy content-instruction literacy-components literature-review multilingual-learners pedagogy | no-paywall |
| National Education Policy Center and Education Deans for Justice and Equity. 2020. Policy Statement on the “Science of Reading.” National Education Policy Center. | Guidance for policymakers on federal or state legislation affecting reading instruction. Describes concerns with SOR advocacy and what legislation on reading should and shouldn’t include | Advocacy, Legislation, Science of reading, State issues | Good for non-specialists, No paywall | Link | advocacy legislation science-of-reading state-issues | good-for-non-specialists no-paywall |
| National Education Policy Center. 2021. “Caught in the Crosshairs: Emerging Bilinguals and the Reading Wars.” National Education Policy Center Newsletter, March 4, 2021. | Describes scholars’ critique of SOR legislation in Colorado, specifically its inappropriateness for bilingual/EL learners | Advocacy, Legislation, Multilingual learners, Science of reading, State issues | Good for non-specialists, No paywall | Link | advocacy legislation multilingual-learners science-of-reading state-issues | good-for-non-specialists no-paywall |
| Nguyen, Diep. 2025. “Visions for 2025: Multilingual Experiences Matter,” Language Magazine, January 16, 2025. | Science of Reading advocates largely ignore bilingual/biliteracy research, but multilingual learners’ experiences should be centered in reading policy. | Advocacy, Multilingual learners, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | advocacy multilingual-learners science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Olsen, Laurie. 2022. Comprehensive Literacy Instruction for English Language Learners. National Committee for Effective Literacy. | This paper describes a comprehensive approach to literacy instruction based on research on ML/ELs | Biliteracy, Comprehensive approach, Multilingual learners, Pedagogy | No paywall | Link | biliteracy comprehensive-approach multilingual-learners pedagogy | no-paywall |
| Olsen, Laurie. 2022. Effective Literacy Education for English Learner/Emergent Bilingual Students in California. National Committee for Effective Literacy. | This paper crosswalks effective literacy for ML/ELs with four policy documents guiding California literacy instruction | Multilingual learners, State issues | No paywall | Link | multilingual-learners state-issues | no-paywall |
| Pearson, P. David, Annemarie S. Palincsar, Gina Biancarosa, and Amy I. Berman, eds. 2020. Reaping the Rewards of the Reading for Understanding Initiative. Washington, DC: National Academy of Education. | Focuses on critical role of background knowledge, language skills, and cultural context in learning to read | Comprehensive approach, Literacy components, Literature review | No paywall | Link | comprehensive-approach literacy-components literature-review | no-paywall |
| Petscher, Yaacov, et al. 2020. “How the Science of Reading Informs 21st-Century Education.” Reading Research Quarterly 55 (S1): S267–82. | Clarification of what constitutes evidence in SOR and presents a critical evaluation of the current evidence | Literature review, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | literature-review science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Pfost, Maximilian, and Nora Heyne. 2023. “Fostering Children’s Reading Comprehension: The Importance of Fiction Reading.” Zeitschrift für Bildungsforschung 13 (1): 127–37. | Summary of reading comprehension research, includes discussion of Matthew Effect, motivation, and parent engagement | Literacy components, Literature review | No paywall | Link | literacy-components literature-review | no-paywall |
| Renaissance Learning, Inc. 2024. Biliteracy Trajectories: Supporting Literacy Development in Two Languages: Introducing the Renaissance Star Assessment Biliteracy Trajectories Project. | Introduces Renaissance’s “biliteracy trajectories,” a framework to benchmark bilingual students’ Spanish-English literacy growth over time using 13,000+ dual-language students’ data. | Assessment, Best practices, Biliteracy, Multilingual learners | No paywall | Link | assessment best-practices biliteracy multilingual-learners | no-paywall |
| Ríos, Cristina, and Catalina Castillón. 2018. “Bilingual Literacy Development: Trends and Critical Issues.” International Research and Review: Journal of Phi Beta Delta 7 (2): 85–96. | This literature review identifies trends and gaps in the research on students developing literacy in two or more languages | Biliteracy, Literature review, Multilingual learners | No paywall | Link | biliteracy literature-review multilingual-learners | no-paywall |
| Robles, Yesenia. 2020. “Colorado’s Emphasis on Phonics in Reading Could Hurt English Language Learners, Advocates Say.” Chalkbeat Colorado, December 15, 2020. | Describes scholars’ critique of SOR legislation in Colorado, specifically inappropriateness for bilingual/EL learners. | Advocacy, Best practices, Multilingual learners, Science of reading, State issues | Good for non-specialists, No paywall | Link | advocacy best-practices multilingual-learners science-of-reading state-issues | good-for-non-specialists no-paywall |
| Rowe, Marjorie W., and Laurie Darian Thrailkill. 2025. “A View from Within: A Critique of North Carolina Science of Reading Policy for Teacher Professional Development.” Education Policy Analysis Archives 33. | A critique of SOR and LETRS implementation in North Carolina. | Science of reading, State issues | No paywall | Link | science-of-reading state-issues | no-paywall |
| Schmoker, Mike. 2019. “The Problem with Literacy Programs.” Education Week, Commentary, February 20, 2019. | Criticism of commercial reading programs that often have narrow, skill-based focus. Describes criteria for high-quality, holistic literacy programs | Best practices, Comprehensive approach, Literacy components | Good for non-specialists, No paywall | Link | best-practices comprehensive-approach literacy-components | good-for-non-specialists no-paywall |
| Schwartz, Katrina. 2019. “Why Deeply Diving into Content Could Be the Key to Reading Comprehension.” KQED, October 22, 2019. | Interview with Natalie Wexler about the connection between reading comprehension and content knowledge | Content instruction, Literacy components | Good for non-specialists, No paywall | Link | content-instruction literacy-components | good-for-non-specialists no-paywall |
| Seidenberg, Mark S. 2023. “Where Does the Science of Reading Approach Go from Here?” Updated June 24, 2024. | Seidenberg argues the science of reading over-relies on explicit instruction, urging a recalibrated balance with implicit learning for more realistic, effective, equitable literacy outcomes. | Pedagogy, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | pedagogy science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Seidenberg, Mark S., and Matt Cooper Borkenhagen. 2020. “Reading Science and Educational Practice: Some Tenets for Teachers.” The Reading League Journal 1 (1). | Presents observations about translating science to practice for educators to enhance SOR. | Pedagogy, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | pedagogy science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Share, David L. 2021. “Is the Science of Reading Just the Science of Reading English?” Reading Research Quarterly 56, no. S1: S391–S402. | Argues that mainstream reading research is limited by its Anglocentrism and lack of consideration to non-European alphabets or nonalphabetic scripts. | Science of reading | Link | science-of-reading | ||
| Silverman, Rebecca D., Erika Johnson, Kristin Keane, and Saurabh Khanna. 2020. “Beyond Decoding: A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Language Comprehension Interventions on K–5 Students’ Language and Literacy Outcomes.” Reading Research Quarterly 55 (S1): S207–33. | Meta analysis of language comprehension interventions (vocabulary, morphology, semantics, syntax) and the connections between comprehension and other reading skills. Includes (but is not limited to) effects on ML/ELs. | Literacy components, Literature review, Multilingual learners | Link | literacy-components literature-review multilingual-learners | ||
| Soltero-González, Lucinda, Cristina Gillanders, and Francisca Valenzuela Hasenohr. 2025. “Broadening English-Centric Early Literacy Pedagogies: Building on Young Spanish-English Bilingual Children’s Language and Home Literacy Practices.” The Reading Teacher 78 (5). | Highlights research on early literacy from Spanish-dominant countries to broaden the literature base on literacy learning. Proposes shifting away from the English-centric perspective that frames early literacy in the U.S. currently | Biliteracy, Literacy components, Pedagogy | Link | biliteracy literacy-components pedagogy | ||
| Stavely, Zaidee. 2021. “Why Phonics Instruction Is Not Enough for English Learners.” EdSource, September 24, 2021. | Overview of concerns with the implementation of the science of reading for EL/MLs | Biliteracy, Multilingual learners, Pedagogy, Science of reading | Good for non-specialists, No paywall | Link | biliteracy multilingual-learners pedagogy science-of-reading | good-for-non-specialists no-paywall |
| Stevens, Elizabeth A., et al. 2021. “Current State of the Evidence: Examining the Effects of Orton-Gillingham Reading Interventions for Students with or at Risk for Word-Level Reading Disabilities.” Exceptional Children 84 (4): 397–417. | An analysis of the effects of Orton-Gillinghan reading interventions on the reading outcomes of students with or at risk for word-level reading disabilities (WLRD) | Dyslexia, Literacy components, Literature review | No paywall | Link | dyslexia literacy-components literature-review | no-paywall |
| The Reading League and National Committee for Effective Literacy. 2023. “Joint Statement: Understanding the Difference: The Science of Reading and Implementation for English Learners/Emergent Bilinguals (ELs/EBs).” Updated October 2023. | This statement highlights the areas of alignment between experts in the fields of reading science and ML/EL education. | Advocacy, Multilingual learners, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | advocacy multilingual-learners science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Thomas, Paul L. 2022. The Science of Reading Movement: The Never-Ending Debate and the Need for a Different Approach to Reading Instruction. National Education Policy Center. | A history of the reading reform movement and recommendations for state and local policymakers to provide teachers the support they need | Reading First (NCLB), Science of reading | No paywall | Link | reading-first-nclb science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Tierney, Rob, and P. David Pearson. 2024. Fact-Checking the Science of Reading. Literacy Research Commons. | Examination of the legitimacy of the claims being advanced under the science of reading | Literacy components, Literature review, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | literacy-components literature-review science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Urbanski, Renee, Laura Swanlund, Jeffrey Tadelman, and Cristina Sánchez-López. 2025. “Comprehensive Approach to Improving Early Reading with Young Multilingual Learners: One District’s Journey.” Illinois Reading Council Journal 53 (3): 3–13. | A district spotlight on developing a culturally and linguistically responsive and sustaining continuum of services for ML/ELs. | Best practices, Comprehensive approach, Literacy components, Multilingual learners | No paywall | Link | best-practices comprehensive-approach literacy-components multilingual-learners | no-paywall |
| Villegas, Leslie. 2024. “Q & A with Ester de Jong on the Bilingual and Biliteracy Dimensions of the Science of Reading.” Blog post. New America, April 8, 2024. | Interview with Ester de Jong about how the Science of Reading applies to bilingual and biliteracy development. | Multilingual learners, Science of reading | No paywall | Link | multilingual-learners science-of-reading | no-paywall |
| Wackerle-Hollman, Alisha K., Lillian K. Durán, and Alejandra Miranda. 2020. “Early Literacy Skill Growth in Spanish-Speaking Children with and at Risk for Disabilities in Early Childhood.“ Topics in Early Childhood Special Education 40 (1): 24–38. | Empirical study of Spanish-speaking dual language learners growth on English and Spanish alphabet knowledge and phonemic awareness | Biliteracy, Literacy components, Multilingual learners | Empirical research, No paywall | Link | biliteracy literacy-components multilingual-learners | empirical-research no-paywall |
| Weale, Sally. 2022. “Focus on Phonics to Teach Reading Is ‘Failing Children,’ Says Landmark Study.” The Guardian. January 19, 2022. | Review of UK study showing phonics-only approach isn’t sufficient | Science of reading | Good for non-specialists, No paywall | Link | science-of-reading | good-for-non-specialists no-paywall |
| Williams, Conor P. 2026. “The Science of Reading and Teaching English Learners to Read Are Not Incompatible,” The 74, August 14, 2026. | Argues science of reading and English learner instruction are compatible, citing an Ed Trust-NY report recommending bilingual-informed, evidence-based literacy training for multilingual learners. | Multilingual learners, Science of reading, State issues | No paywall | Link | multilingual-learners science-of-reading state-issues | no-paywall |
| Wolf, Maryanne. 2025. “‘Elbow Room’: How the Reading Brain Informs the Teaching of Reading.” Albert Shanker Institute. | Consideration of how different perspectives on learning to read can be brought together. | Literacy components, Pedagogy | No paywall | Link | literacy-components pedagogy | no-paywall |
| Wyse, Dominic, and Alice Bradbury. 2022. “Reading Wars or Reading Reconciliation? A Critical Examination of Robust Research Evidence, Curriculum Policy and Teachers’ Practices for Teaching Phonics and Reading.” Review of Education 10 (1). | Synthesizes research evidence on teaching children to read and presents findings from a survey of British teachers; the paper concludes the British approach is not supported by research | Literature review, Science of reading | Empirical research, No paywall | Link | literature-review science-of-reading | empirical-research no-paywall |
| Yaden, David B., Jr., David Reinking, and Peter Smagorinsky. 2021. “The Trouble with Binaries: A Perspective on the Science of Reading.” Reading Research Quarterly 56 (S1): S119–29. | Philosophical discussion of binaries (e.g., nature/nurture) in the argument over SOR, criticism of SOR’s narrow theoretical lens | Literature review, Science of reading | Link | literature-review science-of-reading | ||
| Foorman, Barbara, et al. 2016. Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade (NCEE 2016-4008). Institute of Education Sciences. | Presents recommendations to help teachers develop explicit attention to sound–letter relationships, decoding, word analysis, and connected-text reading, with evidence ratings. | Literacy components, Literature review, Pedagogy | No paywall | Link | literacy-components literature-review pedagogy | no-paywall |