Structured literacy
Last updated
Structured literacy is an approach to reading instruction that teaches language systems explicitly and systematically, from sounds to meaning.
Topic: Reading and writing instruction
In plain terms
It covers phonology, sound-symbol connections, syllables, morphology, syntax and semantics. Teaching is explicit (directly explained and modeled), systematic (following a logical order), cumulative (each step builds on the last) and diagnostic (adjusted based on ongoing checks). It is especially important for students with dyslexia and benefits most beginning readers.
How it shows up in an IEP
When a student's IEP calls for structured literacy as specially designed instruction, goals usually track phonemic awareness, decoding, spelling and fluency on the patterns taught.
Example
A student receives 45 minutes a day of structured literacy, with phoneme work, a new pattern, word reading and spelling, then decodable text, and data on each pattern.
Related terms
- PhonicsPhonics is instruction that teaches how letters and letter patterns represent the sounds of spoken language, so students can decode and spell words.
- Phonemic awarenessPhonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify and change the individual sounds, called phonemes, in spoken words.
- DyslexiaDyslexia is a specific learning disability that mainly affects accurate, fluent word reading and spelling, often rooted in processing speech sounds.
- MorphologyMorphology is the study of morphemes, the smallest units of meaning in words, such as roots, prefixes and suffixes.
- Specially designed instruction (SDI)Specially designed instruction is teaching adapted in content, method or delivery to meet a student's disability-related needs.
On IEP Atlas
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