Adopting Science of Reading Standards: One Department’s Story

As more states continue to call for reforms of reading education and mandate the adoption of standards aligned with the science of reading, educator preparation programs are reviewing and redesigning their curricula. In this paper, faculty from our Department of Elementary and Special Education share some potential challenges, successes, and insights programs might encounter when accommodating these new requirements. We outline the process and outcomes of reviewing our curriculum as a resource for other programs undergoing similar revisions. The paper concludes with six tips to support a smooth transition.