What Is the Science of Reading?

The Science of Reading is a body of research from cognitive science, linguistics, and education that explains how children learn to read. It emphasizes the importance of systematic, explicit instruction in five essential components: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. When instruction is aligned to this evidence, educators are better equipped to ensure all students develop strong, lasting literacy skills.

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Why it Matters

Reading is not a natural process—it must be taught. The Science of Reading provides educators with a clear roadmap for instruction, explaining how the brain learns to decode and make meaning from text. By following this research, schools can:

• Close achievement gaps
• Support struggling readers
• Deliver equitable and effective literacy instruction for all learners

How Does Scarborough’s Rope Work with the Science of Reading? 

Developed by Dr. Hollis Scarborough, the Reading Rope is a widely used visual model that illustrates how skilled reading develops over time. The rope weaves together two essential strands:

• Word recognition (phonological awareness, decoding, and sight recognition)
• Language comprehension (background knowledge, vocabulary, verbal reasoning, literacy knowledge)

The rope reinforces a core principle of the Science of Reading: reading is not a single skill but a combination of interconnected processes.

What It Looks Like in Classrooms

When applied in the classroom, the Science of Reading transforms instruction. Teachers use explicit, systematic lessons that build skills step by step, ensuring mastery before moving forward. Instruction is multisensory, engaging students through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Ongoing assessment plays a critical role, allowing educators to:

• Identify learning needs early before gaps widen
• Monitor progress over time with actionable data
• Provide targeted, timely support when it matters most

How Sadlier Aligns 

Our literacy programs are directly aligned with the principles of the Science of Reading. Educators will find these principles embedded across Sadlier programs—from early literacy through intervention and secondary instruction:

• Structured, explicit phonics instruction
• Scaffolded practice that supports skill development
• Rich opportunities to build background knowledge, vocabulary, and language comprehension

Each program gives teachers the tools they need to deliver effective literacy instruction while maintaining flexibility and allowing educators to adapt instruction to diverse learners while staying true to the research.

Building Confident, Lifelong Readers 

When schools use a curriculum aligned with the Science of Reading, they ensure that students not only learn to read, but also develop a love of reading. With strong foundational skills, children gain confidence, access knowledge across subjects, and become lifelong learners. Sadlier School is proud to partner with educators in this mission, bringing research-based literacy instruction to classrooms.

Science of Reading Solutions

• Learn How Sadlier’s Reading Solutions Align to the Science of Reading
• Download these Three Science of Reading-Aligned Instructional Routines to Strengthen Daily Literacy Instruction for K-12
• View on-demand webinars on Science of Reading-aligned practices

From Our Authors and Experts:

“Teaching reading is one of the best gifts we can give a child because it can never be taken away. The Science of Reading reveals how every educator can use its findings to meet the majority of young students’ literacy needs efficiently, effectively, and with equity.”
Wiley Blevins