Navigating (Another) Reading Crisis as an Administrator: Rethinking the “Science of Reading” Movement

Authors

  • Paul Thomas Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/w257rm09

Keywords:

Science of Reading, reading, leadership, reading legislation, education reform

Abstract

The Science of Reading (SOR) movement puts administrators in a difficult position since they must navigate a wide range of educational stakeholders—students, teachers, parents, board members, political leaders, and the public. This discussion offers a broad but detailed overview of the problems created for administrators by the SOR movement (i.e., systematic phonics, teacher quality, reading programs, reading proficiency, and social justice/equity). This overview is followed by a series of new (and better) approaches for school administrators to become more effective instructional leaders of reading and advocates for addressing individual student needs and supporting teacher professionalism.

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Author Biography

  • Paul Thomas, Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina

    Paul Thomas, EdD, is a Professor in Education at Furman University. His major research interests lie in literacy, education policy, equity, and public activism. Email: paul.thomas@furman.edu

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Published

2025-05-28

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Section

Essays and Commentaries

How to Cite

Navigating (Another) Reading Crisis as an Administrator: Rethinking the “Science of Reading” Movement. (2025). Journal of School Administration Research and Development, 10(1), 38-48. https://doi.org/10.32674/w257rm09