Reading Levels Wrecked Reading Instruction

Really ruined reading, allierally.

As if there are 27 distinct levels of reading, lol. Photo by Susan Holt Simpson on Unsplash

1. I’ll keep this week’s post extra brief: I was away this weekend, it’s a holiday week, and we all need to spend more time with family and less time in front of screens.

2. The science of reading wars continue to rage as Fountas & Pinnell, the creators of a popular reading leveling system recently clapped back at critics.

3. Until the last few years, students in most elementary schools were assessed and assigned an F&P level: A being the lowest level, often associated with kindergarten, and level Z+ being the highest level, associated with high school and beyond.

4. Their alphabetic leveling system, one of many reading leveling systems, was ubiquitous in my first 10-15 years in education. But as the science of reading became a trend, F&P faded away (even though it’s still used in many schools).

5. Thank goodness it did.

6. Reading that news reminded me of my earlier foray into education blogging, one that (I’m proud to say) preceded the science of reading wars and still lamented reading leveling systems.

7. I think reading that, if you’re so inclined, could account for 8 thru 13.

8. Otherwise, let me say that I’m so grateful for your readership and support this year. I wish you a restful and joyous Thanksgiving holiday.

9. Thanks for reading, and have a great week.

10. Oh, and maybe buy less stuff on Black Friday.

11. That’s the easiest fix for the supply chain woes.

12. Or buy books. The supply chain for those isn’t broken.

13. Also, Birds to the Super Bowl. Phew. That’s 13.