Published in the Journal of Childhood & Developmental Disorders in 2016, this is an excellent research paper explaining how teachers have not been taught the science of reading in pre-service classes. When introduced to this information, teachers are often frustrated that it was not part of their formal education. Changes to teacher preparation are necessary.
EXCERPT: Approximately 20% of our nation’s students are experiencing reading difficulties and the percentage of fourth-grade students who are reading below Basic and Proficient (33% and 58%, respectively) has not appreciably changed since 1992. Fortunately, there is a solution. First and foremost the history of ignorance, resistance and complacency needs to be exposed. Secondly, there is a scientific literature that prescribes how to improve reading abilities in young students. The solution involves providing pre-service teachers with the knowledge that will assist them to provide their students, particularly struggling readers, the types of assessment and interventions that will lead to improved reading skills.