September 3, 2024

Drexel University’s School of Education will bring together stakeholders in literacy from Philadelphia and beyond for Science of Reading Day at Drexel on Thursday, September 26th, 2024, from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm ET. The free event, open to the public, will include a resource fair with representatives from local organizations who will share literacy resources, a simulation on what it is like to live with dyslexia led by Woodlynde School, and panel discussions on literacy issues led by notable thought leaders in literacy including educator and author Hilderbrand Pelzer III, Co-Founder and CEO of FULCRUM Kareem Weaver, Principal of Morton McMichael School Dr. Dollette Johns-Smith, and more.

The highlight of Science of Reading Day at Drexel will showcase a screening of the documentary, “Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars,” with director and producer, Harvey Hubbell. Hubbell will moderate a post-film discussion and an advocacy toolkit will be shared with attendees.

“Reading is foundational. When children struggle to read, it has compounding effects that follow them the rest of their lives,” said Aroutis Foster, PhD, Interim Dean and Professor for Drexel University’s School of Education. “The School of Education is committed to leading the charge to improve literacy outcomes for students in Philadelphia and beyond through our teacher preparation and professional development programs that utilize tried and true, science-based literacy instruction.”

Science of Reading Day at Drexel comes at a critical time. Statewide, nearly 40% of fourth grade students are reading below grade level. In Philadelphia alone, more than 70% of children are not reading at grade level by the time they enter fourth grade. Across the country, including the School District of Philadelphia, are implementing new curricula based on the science of reading. Participants in Science of Reading Day will learn how to recognize high quality curricula and hear from stakeholders who are implementing these science-based curricula.

“Science-based literacy instruction is the most effective way to teach children how to read and write,” said Mary Jean Tecce DeCarlo, EdD, Clinical Professor for the School of Education. “It focuses on the development of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills, which are all essential for children to become successful readers and writers.”

The event will take place at the Edmund Bossone Research Enterprise Center located at 3140 Market Street. The building is located steps away from Drexel Station at 30th Street. Parking is available across the street from the building or at the Drexel garage located at 34th and Market streets. For more information about Science of Reading Day or to register for this free event, please visit, https://drexel.edu/soe/resources/events/Science-of-Reading-Day-2024/.

Science of Reading Day at Drexel is made possible through sponsorships from local and national organizations that are committed to improving child literacy. Sponsors include Boon Philanthropy, Wilson Language Training, Play Aloud, AIM Institute, Keys to Literacy, Credentials Unlimited, Forman School, Joyful Readers, Phunics, and Reading Allowed. Organizations interested in sponsoring Science of Reading Day at Drexel should visit https://bit.ly/46Zce33.