It seems that talk about the science of reading and the call for changed practices in the literacy classroom is everywhere these days. But so much of this conversation has focused on beginning readers. If you’re an educator supporting upper elementary readers–or even younger readers who have grown beyond their peers–you’ve likely wondered, “What about us? What does the current body of research reveal about practices in intermediate classrooms?”

In this workshop, a companion to the workshop presented by MCRC in January 2023, Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom (Burkins & Yates), co-authors Jan Burkins introduces six shifts for upper elementary teachers to consider as they work to make reading success more accessible for all students. This session is based on the newest book Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Upper Elementary Classroom, co-authored with Kari Yates and Katie Egan Cunningham. Across the full-day workshop, Jan will zoom in on common practices that need reexamination, use scientific research to untangle misunderstandings related to those practices and offer brain-friendly, high-leverage instructional moves as an alternative.