Talk to Read
Science of Reading Connection

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education defines the Science of Reading as skilled reading which involves, “the fluent execution and coordination of word recognition and text comprehension.” Talk to Read is designed to accelerate word recognition and text comprehension by creating opportunities for explicit skills instruction that is contextualized within each learner’s robust oral language. Designed by Dr. Betsy Baker, past president of the Literacy Research Association, distinguished professor of reading education at the University of Missouri, and former elementary teacher, Talk to Read is based on extensive research which reveals significant insights into how humans learn to read.  

Field studies indicate that students involved in Talk to Read develop over 97% word accuracy for sight vocabulary that is up to 8 grade levels beyond participants’ grade levels while notating that 50% of these words exceed 8 grade levels beyond participants’ grade level. In addition, students participating in Talk to Read consistently express confidence and eagerness to read and write. 

Given an extensive research base, development by a distinguished expert, and promising field study results, the U.S. Education Department is willing to provide up to 40 hours of professional learning for 2nd and 3rd grade teachers as well as purchase tablets for schools interested in accelerating literacy learning with Talk to Read which supports skilled reading that involves, “the fluent execution and coordination of word recognition and text comprehension.”