What is structured literacy?

Structured literacy is best described as a systematic approach to teaching reading that emphasizes explicit instruction in key literacy components. This approach is grounded in the understanding that reading involves a combination of knowledge and skills, including phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.

By explicitly teaching these components, structured literacy ensures that all students, especially those who may struggle with reading, receive instruction that is clear, sequential, and cumulative. This method is particularly beneficial for learners who have dyslexia or other reading difficulties, as it supports diverse learning needs through its structured framework.

In contrast, other methods mentioned do not embody the principles of structured literacy. These include approaches that focus solely on writing, which neglect the comprehensive instruction in reading processes, and informal styles that may not adequately address the foundational skills necessary for literacy. Additionally, a reading program designed for advanced students does not align with the structured literacy framework, which aims to provide foundational skills applicable to all learners regardless of their current reading level.