Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning

by Natalie Wexler

In this provocative and timely book, education writer Natalie Wexler argues that the best way to end the “reading wars” is to recognize that learning to read is inextricably linked to learning in general.


The science of reading movement has done much to improve instruction in foundational skills. But that hard-won progress may be reversed unless we also help children acquire the knowledge and vocabulary they need to understand complex text.


At the same time, the science of learning movement has introduced many educators to evidence-based teaching principles that can be effective for all students. In Beyond the Science of Reading, Wexler addresses a missing piece of the the ways in which typical reading comprehension and writing instruction conflict with those principles.


Wexler also offers practical solutions for bringing science-informed literacy instruction to scale and reveals why


• Teaching phonics isn’t enough to create proficient readers.
• Building knowledge is the key to unlocking reading comprehension.
• Writing instruction holds untapped potential to boost literacy and learning.
• Instruction grounded in cognitive science can narrow achievement gaps.
• Current curriculum evaluation methods may be steering schools wrong.


Beyond the Science of Reading charts a bold path forward with a new way to equip all children to read with fluency, understanding, and joy. This is an essential resource for educators, policymakers, parents, and anyone who cares about the future of literacy and equity in the United States.

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2025

About the author

Natalie Wexler is an education writer focusing on cognitive science, literacy, and fairness. She is the author of "Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning" and "The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System--and How to Fix It." She is also the co-author of "The Writing Revolution 2.0: Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades," a step-by-step guide to using the instructional method developed by Dr. Judith C. Hochman. She blogs at her free Substack, Minding the Gap, and was the host of Season 1 and a co-host of Season 3 of the Knowledge Matters Podcast.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book to all educators and school leaders. Unless we change something about comprehension instruction, our reading students are going to continue to fall further behind. We’ve worked really hard at implementing the Science of Reading to improve foundational reading skills, but until I read this book, I was unaware of how to boost more complex reading skills like comprehension and vocabulary. This book has the key!

I have been a fan of Wexler since I first read The Writing Revolution and this book only improves my opinion of her knowledge about the effects of good instruction. If you’re a teacher who is wondering what to do with students who struggle with comprehension, this book is for you!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must read for all teachers of reading and writing from k-12. I teach middle school, and this truly made me reflect on my instructional practice, how to best implement my schools curriculum and how to support my students. How I am going to go about this? I am not sure , however, thinking and questioning is taking place and that is always a start in the right direction.