#101: Is Your Curriculum Actually Aligned to the Science of Reading? with Kari Kurto
That Gut Feeling You Can’t Ignore
You’ve followed your school’s scope and sequence. You’ve taught the lessons exactly as they’re written. But deep down, something doesn’t sit right.
Maybe your students are still struggling to decode. Maybe comprehension scores aren’t improving. Maybe you’ve caught yourself thinking, This can’t be all there is.
You’re not imagining things—and you’re definitely not alone.
In this episode, curriculum expert Kari Kurto from The Reading League walks us through how to tell if your curriculum is truly aligned with the science of reading—or just using the label. And more importantly, what to do if it’s not.
How to Tell If a Curriculum Is Science of Reading Aligned
Contrary to what some publishers might claim, slapping “science of reading” on the box doesn’t mean the materials are research-based. So how can you tell the difference?
According to Kari Kurto, the Curriculum Navigation Reports and Curriculum Evaluation Guidelines from The Reading League are your go-to tools. These free, detailed resources help schools, teachers, and coaches analyze any reading curriculum for alignment with what the research actually says works.
Here are a few red flags they watch for:
❌ Red Flags in Word Recognition
- Cueing strategies (e.g., “look at the picture” or “guess the word”)
- Lack of a clear, cumulative scope and sequence
- Over-reliance on memorizing sight words
❌ Red Flags in Language Comprehension
- Lack of explicit vocabulary and syntax instruction
- Shallow questioning during read-alouds
- Missing opportunities for student discussion or deeper thinking
❌ Red Flags in Writing
- Writing activities not connected to reading or text analysis
- Limited or no modeling of writing strategies
If your curriculum checks multiple red flags, it’s time to make a plan.
What to Do If Your Curriculum Isn’t Fully Aligned
Here’s the good news: you don’t necessarily need to throw it all out. Kari recommends using the Curriculum Evaluation Guidelines as a walkthrough tool.
✅ Identify the strong parts of the curriculum to keep.
✅ Use the guidelines to spot weak areas and plan what to supplement.
✅ Use your data to guide where you need to strengthen instruction.
✅ Don’t go it alone—join your state’s Reading League chapter to collaborate.
As Kari says: “Don’t give up. We need you. Be the change in your building.”
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- How to spot red flags in your curriculum quickly
- Why fidelity isn’t always the right move
- Free tools you can use to evaluate materials
- How to advocate for better instruction without burning bridges
- What it really means to align with the science of reading
Bringing It All Together
If your gut is telling you something isn’t working—listen to it. Teachers are the experts in the room. The science of reading isn’t a trend or a pendulum swing—it’s a growing body of knowledge we can apply to our instruction for years to come.
You deserve a curriculum that aligns with that science. And your students deserve instruction that actually works.
Want More Support? Join The Science of Reading Formula
If you’re navigating curriculum confusion or trying to make sense of red flags, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join The Science of Reading Formula for training, tools, and support that make implementation doable.
Join the Science of Reading Formula
LINKS
Curriculum Decision Makers’ Page
The Reading League’s Evaluation Guidelines
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!
WHAT TO LISTEN TO NEXT
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