Page 27 - ELG2402 Feb Issue 488

FEATURE

closely with researchers from The Reading
League, delving into research to collectively
offer united and cohesive guidance to the
field on reading instruction and literacy
development for EL students. The Joint
Statement sought to unite a community of
experts around a comprehensive body of
knowledge impacting literacy development,
and to clarify that many practices labelled
as SOR do not align with scientific evidence
for ELs. The agreement within the Joint
Statement highlights the principles of
effective evidence-based reading instruction
and the need for a comprehensive approach
for multilingual learners (MLLs).
One of our primary objectives was to dispel
a prevalent misconception surrounding the
science of reading, specifically challenging the
widespread belief that it exclusively focuses
on foundational reading skills.
A key breakthrough embedded in the
Joint Statement is the repositioning of
foundational reading skills – such as phonics,
word recognition, and phonemic awareness
– as components within a comprehensive
literacy approach for MLLs. A comprehensive
program, as defined in the statement, goes
beyond foundational skills and includes
language development, the development of
content knowledge, vocabulary, effective
expression, meaning making and explicit,
systematic instruction in foundational skills
essential for decoding and encoding. learning how English works must accompany important tool for educators and advocates
The statement highlights the importance phonics instruction. These elements – by outlining the principles of evidence-based
of oral language development and dedicated language development, foundational skills, reading instruction and calling for a
time for English Language Development comprehension strategies, knowledge/ comprehensive and interconnected approach
(ELD). Additionally, for our multilingual content development, ESL/ELD, vocabulary to literacy development. As the education
students, this comprehensive literacy development, and cross-language connections landscape continues to evolve, may the
approach emphasizes leveraging the home with home language – together, form the Joint Statement help guide practitioners
language and fostering cross-language comprehensive literacy approach essential for towards literacy education that embraces
connections throughout the literacy multilingual learners to achieve literacy. multilingual learners.
development process, with the ultimate Finally, our students don’t become readers
goal of achieving biliteracy. This kind of and writers solely by acquiring literacy skills.
comprehensive literacy instruction recognizes They become readers and writers through Martha Hernández, the
the profound interconnections among recognizing and experiencing the purposes of Executive Director for
knowledge, language, and literacy. reading and writing. It’s in this realization of Californians Together, leads
When asked if we support phonics the power of reading and writing for learning, a coalition that advocates for
instruction, our response is a resounding information, voice and entertainment the educational success of
‘yes AND…’. Phonics is an important that true literacy blossoms. Achieving this California’s 1.1 million English
component of a comprehensive approach revelation involves frequent access to and learners. Martha’s current focus involves the
along with other critical interrelated active engagement with materials that reflect expansion of biliteracy programs, implementing
elements of literacy development. Contrary student’s own lives and communities while the California English Learner Roadmap, the
to some misconceptions, phonics isn’t the offering glimpses into a broader world. It’s about state’s English learner policy, and spearheading
sole pathway to reading proficiency. Nor seeing their identity within literacy: ‘People the National Committee for Effective Literacy
should it claim the spotlight as the primary like me are in books. People like me are writers. to promote effective literacy for emergent
component. Rather, it plays an essential This is a tool for me.’ Comprehensive literacy bilingual and English learner students.
role in early literacy, guiding students to instruction couples a skills-focused approach to
make sense of letter-sound relationships the mechanics of reading and writing with an Laurie Olsen, Ph.D., is the
and introducing them to the basic emphasis on fostering engagement and shaping founding Director of SEAL, a
decoding/encoding principle that transforms robust literacy identities. P-5 model of English learner
language into print/text form. The Joint Statement, while a significant centered language and literacy
Together with strong oral language achievement, is a partial step, leaving room
development and vocabulary development, for future dialogues to address additional education. Dr. Olsen has
phonics serves as the mechanism for key issues related to socio-cultural aspects published dozens of books,
recognizing language and meaning in of literacy development, biliteracy pedagogy, videos and articles on English Learner and Dual
print form. However, its efficacy hinges on print access and opportunity, literacy identity, Language education, and has spent the last
relationship to the other components. For and the impact of language status on literacy five decades researching, writing, and providing
English learners, mastering the sounds, development. The collaboration between The leadership development and technical assistance
phonemes/morphemes of English, building Reading League and the National Committee on educational equity with an emphasis on
sufficient vocabulary in English as well as for Effective Literacy has produced an English learner and dual language education.
editorial@elgazette.com 27