Karen Vaites
@karenvaites.bsky.social
Literacy advocate, children’s advocate, mom.
Superb piece from Mark Seidenberg, who points out that American teachers have been encouraged to “teach phonemic awareness” when British teachers have not – and England’s reading outcomes have improved none the less.
The reason: influencers.
www.seidenbergreading.net/blog/phonemi...
The reason: influencers.
www.seidenbergreading.net/blog/phonemi...
Where did Phonemic Awareness training come from?
This post summarizes my longstanding concerns about the practice of phonemic awareness instruction, a core element of the “science of reading” approach that is based on a deep misunderstanding of what...
www.seidenbergreading.net
November 25, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Superb piece from Mark Seidenberg, who points out that American teachers have been encouraged to “teach phonemic awareness” when British teachers have not – and England’s reading outcomes have improved none the less.
The reason: influencers.
www.seidenbergreading.net/blog/phonemi...
The reason: influencers.
www.seidenbergreading.net/blog/phonemi...
His ideas about ending gifted programs in early grades didn’t cost Zohran Mamdani the election, but I think they could cost him in enrollment, and that is a good enough reason to walk them back.
My recent piece for the Center for Educational Progress:
open.substack.com/pub/educatio...
My recent piece for the Center for Educational Progress:
open.substack.com/pub/educatio...
Straight Talk on Gifted Education for Mayor Mamdani – and Everyone Else
Getting rid of public gifted education programs will accelerate the enrollment crisis hitting American public schools
open.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 8:35 PM
His ideas about ending gifted programs in early grades didn’t cost Zohran Mamdani the election, but I think they could cost him in enrollment, and that is a good enough reason to walk them back.
My recent piece for the Center for Educational Progress:
open.substack.com/pub/educatio...
My recent piece for the Center for Educational Progress:
open.substack.com/pub/educatio...
In 2023, Georgia passed legislation that included curriculum reform.
Two years after its quirky curriculum list debuted, we get a glimpse of district selections.
Spoiler: it isn’t good.
Georgia is on my mind, BC it offers a window into implementation failure.
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
Two years after its quirky curriculum list debuted, we get a glimpse of district selections.
Spoiler: it isn’t good.
Georgia is on my mind, BC it offers a window into implementation failure.
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
November 20, 2025 at 12:51 PM
In 2023, Georgia passed legislation that included curriculum reform.
Two years after its quirky curriculum list debuted, we get a glimpse of district selections.
Spoiler: it isn’t good.
Georgia is on my mind, BC it offers a window into implementation failure.
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
Two years after its quirky curriculum list debuted, we get a glimpse of district selections.
Spoiler: it isn’t good.
Georgia is on my mind, BC it offers a window into implementation failure.
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
New York City schools enrollment is down 12% since 2019. It can’t afford to shed additional students.
The case for keeping gifted and selective programs intact in NYC (and other districts) probably starts with the enrollment crisis facing public Ed.
www.educationprogress.org/p/straight-t...
The case for keeping gifted and selective programs intact in NYC (and other districts) probably starts with the enrollment crisis facing public Ed.
www.educationprogress.org/p/straight-t...
Straight Talk on Gifted Education for Mayor Mamdani – and Everyone Else
Getting rid of public gifted education programs will accelerate the enrollment crisis hitting American public schools
www.educationprogress.org
November 16, 2025 at 5:07 PM
New York City schools enrollment is down 12% since 2019. It can’t afford to shed additional students.
The case for keeping gifted and selective programs intact in NYC (and other districts) probably starts with the enrollment crisis facing public Ed.
www.educationprogress.org/p/straight-t...
The case for keeping gifted and selective programs intact in NYC (and other districts) probably starts with the enrollment crisis facing public Ed.
www.educationprogress.org/p/straight-t...
LA & TN are the only two states in the country where book-rich, knowledge-rich curriculum is used statewide.
And both saw gains in reading proficiency after these materials entered schools.
Perhaps these insights can finally settle some messy SOR/policy debates.
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
And both saw gains in reading proficiency after these materials entered schools.
Perhaps these insights can finally settle some messy SOR/policy debates.
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
How book-rich, knowledge-rich curriculum is fueling the Southern Surge
Louisiana and Tennessee brought "knowledge-building," book-centered curriculum into statewide use, and reading gains followed.
open.substack.com
November 15, 2025 at 8:58 PM
LA & TN are the only two states in the country where book-rich, knowledge-rich curriculum is used statewide.
And both saw gains in reading proficiency after these materials entered schools.
Perhaps these insights can finally settle some messy SOR/policy debates.
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
And both saw gains in reading proficiency after these materials entered schools.
Perhaps these insights can finally settle some messy SOR/policy debates.
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
Reposted by Karen Vaites
This blog seems a misstep by the usually sensible Timothy Shanahan and I can’t help wondering whether he has been somewhat influenced by being involved in some of excerpt-based curricula. (h/t @karenvaites.bsky.social)
www.shanahanonliteracy.com/blog/whole-b...
www.shanahanonliteracy.com/blog/whole-b...
Whole Books or Excerpts? Which Do the Most to Promote Reading Ability | Shanahan on Literacy
Which is the best basis for reading instruction? Whole books or shorter excerpts. What does research have to say? This essay explores those ideas and provides practical advice to teachers on how to sq...
www.shanahanonliteracy.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:50 AM
This blog seems a misstep by the usually sensible Timothy Shanahan and I can’t help wondering whether he has been somewhat influenced by being involved in some of excerpt-based curricula. (h/t @karenvaites.bsky.social)
www.shanahanonliteracy.com/blog/whole-b...
www.shanahanonliteracy.com/blog/whole-b...
Middle School Parenting be like
November 8, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Middle School Parenting be like
“You don’t actually expect every state to follow Mississippi and Louisiana in how they teach reading?”
November 7, 2025 at 11:45 AM
“You don’t actually expect every state to follow Mississippi and Louisiana in how they teach reading?”
EdReports is looking for feedback on “how we can continue to earn and strengthen your trust.”
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
November 6, 2025 at 7:17 PM
EdReports is looking for feedback on “how we can continue to earn and strengthen your trust.”
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
How do we retain our best teachers – because our best teachers are good at raising outcomes?
While learning from the shortcomings of the merit pay era?
@margueriteroza.bsky.social spotlights some initiatives worth knowing.
mailchi.mp/3cf64c47e1d4...
While learning from the shortcomings of the merit pay era?
@margueriteroza.bsky.social spotlights some initiatives worth knowing.
mailchi.mp/3cf64c47e1d4...
November 4, 2025 at 5:29 PM
How do we retain our best teachers – because our best teachers are good at raising outcomes?
While learning from the shortcomings of the merit pay era?
@margueriteroza.bsky.social spotlights some initiatives worth knowing.
mailchi.mp/3cf64c47e1d4...
While learning from the shortcomings of the merit pay era?
@margueriteroza.bsky.social spotlights some initiatives worth knowing.
mailchi.mp/3cf64c47e1d4...
Facing declines in reading performance, Massachusetts legislators are advancing a bill that touches a 3rd rail: curriculum mandates.
I'm here to explain why MA absolutely needs this bill – and also to sound some alarms.🚨
Literacy friends, read until the end. 👀
www.karenvaites.org/p/massachuse...
I'm here to explain why MA absolutely needs this bill – and also to sound some alarms.🚨
Literacy friends, read until the end. 👀
www.karenvaites.org/p/massachuse...
November 2, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Facing declines in reading performance, Massachusetts legislators are advancing a bill that touches a 3rd rail: curriculum mandates.
I'm here to explain why MA absolutely needs this bill – and also to sound some alarms.🚨
Literacy friends, read until the end. 👀
www.karenvaites.org/p/massachuse...
I'm here to explain why MA absolutely needs this bill – and also to sound some alarms.🚨
Literacy friends, read until the end. 👀
www.karenvaites.org/p/massachuse...
Costume almost fooled us.
October 31, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Costume almost fooled us.
Astute observation from @evidentlyreading.bsky.social.
Lucy Calkins made teachers think ELA classrooms for novice readers should mirror the practices of adults, and that would make kids love reading.
open.substack.com/pub/curricul...
Lucy Calkins made teachers think ELA classrooms for novice readers should mirror the practices of adults, and that would make kids love reading.
open.substack.com/pub/curricul...
October 31, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Astute observation from @evidentlyreading.bsky.social.
Lucy Calkins made teachers think ELA classrooms for novice readers should mirror the practices of adults, and that would make kids love reading.
open.substack.com/pub/curricul...
Lucy Calkins made teachers think ELA classrooms for novice readers should mirror the practices of adults, and that would make kids love reading.
open.substack.com/pub/curricul...
Yesterday, a big literacy bill passed the MA House.
Soon, I’ll publish 2 pieces related to the developments.
In the meantime, I’m resurfacing this piece on the Balanced Literacy Resistance in MA from 2024.
Spoiler: some of these names will return.
www.karenvaites.org/p/lessons-fr...
Soon, I’ll publish 2 pieces related to the developments.
In the meantime, I’m resurfacing this piece on the Balanced Literacy Resistance in MA from 2024.
Spoiler: some of these names will return.
www.karenvaites.org/p/lessons-fr...
Lessons from the Balanced Literacy superintendents’ revolt against curriculum improvement
With all eyes on the Massachusetts reading bill, I’m republishing my 2024 column on the state's Balanced Literacy holdouts.
www.karenvaites.org
October 30, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Yesterday, a big literacy bill passed the MA House.
Soon, I’ll publish 2 pieces related to the developments.
In the meantime, I’m resurfacing this piece on the Balanced Literacy Resistance in MA from 2024.
Spoiler: some of these names will return.
www.karenvaites.org/p/lessons-fr...
Soon, I’ll publish 2 pieces related to the developments.
In the meantime, I’m resurfacing this piece on the Balanced Literacy Resistance in MA from 2024.
Spoiler: some of these names will return.
www.karenvaites.org/p/lessons-fr...
Watershed Moment: Massachusetts literacy bill passes House with unanimous support (!).
I was honored to get the last word in the Boston Globe.
The bill would require the use of state-approved materials by all districts.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/29/m...
Open access link:
archive.ph/7cHeb
I was honored to get the last word in the Boston Globe.
The bill would require the use of state-approved materials by all districts.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/29/m...
Open access link:
archive.ph/7cHeb
Mass. House passes reading bill years in the making, rebuffing powerful teachers union - The Boston Globe
The bill’s passage marks a rare setback for the Massachusetts Teachers Association, although the legislation still needs Senate approval.
www.bostonglobe.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Watershed Moment: Massachusetts literacy bill passes House with unanimous support (!).
I was honored to get the last word in the Boston Globe.
The bill would require the use of state-approved materials by all districts.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/29/m...
Open access link:
archive.ph/7cHeb
I was honored to get the last word in the Boston Globe.
The bill would require the use of state-approved materials by all districts.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/29/m...
Open access link:
archive.ph/7cHeb
October 29, 2025 at 2:20 PM
This is the most important dichotomy in American education.
Every state is Doing Something to improve reading instruction in the Science of Reading era.
Only four states have student outcomes to show for it.
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
Every state is Doing Something to improve reading instruction in the Science of Reading era.
Only four states have student outcomes to show for it.
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
October 27, 2025 at 3:36 PM
This is the most important dichotomy in American education.
Every state is Doing Something to improve reading instruction in the Science of Reading era.
Only four states have student outcomes to show for it.
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
Every state is Doing Something to improve reading instruction in the Science of Reading era.
Only four states have student outcomes to show for it.
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
Reposted by Karen Vaites
I wish I could skywrite Chad Aldeman’s latest piece above every Kindergarten parent night.
“If your child is behind in the early grades, the odds that they will catch up decline every single year. Do. Not. Wait.”
Really, look at the data he shares.
open.substack.com/pub/aldemano...
“If your child is behind in the early grades, the odds that they will catch up decline every single year. Do. Not. Wait.”
Really, look at the data he shares.
open.substack.com/pub/aldemano...
Do. Not. Wait.
If your child is behind in the early grades, do not assume they will catch up
open.substack.com
October 26, 2025 at 7:24 PM
I wish I could skywrite Chad Aldeman’s latest piece above every Kindergarten parent night.
“If your child is behind in the early grades, the odds that they will catch up decline every single year. Do. Not. Wait.”
Really, look at the data he shares.
open.substack.com/pub/aldemano...
“If your child is behind in the early grades, the odds that they will catch up decline every single year. Do. Not. Wait.”
Really, look at the data he shares.
open.substack.com/pub/aldemano...
Do. Not. Wait.
If your child is behind in the early grades, do not assume they will catch up
open.substack.com
October 26, 2025 at 7:02 PM
I wish I could skywrite Chad Aldeman’s latest piece above every Kindergarten parent night.
“If your child is behind in the early grades, the odds that they will catch up decline every single year. Do. Not. Wait.”
Really, look at the data he shares.
open.substack.com/pub/aldemano...
“If your child is behind in the early grades, the odds that they will catch up decline every single year. Do. Not. Wait.”
Really, look at the data he shares.
open.substack.com/pub/aldemano...
This is the question of the hour.
I wrote about it this week. Spoiler: the answer is "don't count on it."
Read on:
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
I wrote about it this week. Spoiler: the answer is "don't count on it."
Read on:
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
October 25, 2025 at 7:29 PM
This is the question of the hour.
I wrote about it this week. Spoiler: the answer is "don't count on it."
Read on:
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
I wrote about it this week. Spoiler: the answer is "don't count on it."
Read on:
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
Reposted by Karen Vaites
"Desks in rows and decoration-free walls are neither necessary nor sufficient proxies for effective teaching"
This piece had me at the title:
“Stop Being Such F****** Killjoys”
A timely call by @katasolow.bsky.social to end silly infighting in k-12 spaces.
open.substack.com/pub/scienceo...
“Stop Being Such F****** Killjoys”
A timely call by @katasolow.bsky.social to end silly infighting in k-12 spaces.
open.substack.com/pub/scienceo...
Stop Being Such F****** Killjoys
A few weeks ago, we shared a video from a 10th grade English class on X.
open.substack.com
October 25, 2025 at 3:53 PM
"Desks in rows and decoration-free walls are neither necessary nor sufficient proxies for effective teaching"
If anyone thinks Linda McMahon is hustling to bring the Southern Surge playbook to additional states, guess again.
Also, the loss of Penny Schwinn is a massive downer.
From my latest:
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
Also, the loss of Penny Schwinn is a massive downer.
From my latest:
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
The Southern Surge Watershed
National interest in the Southern Surge has finally surged. Here's a sober look at the prospects for replication.
open.substack.com
October 24, 2025 at 11:31 AM
If anyone thinks Linda McMahon is hustling to bring the Southern Surge playbook to additional states, guess again.
Also, the loss of Penny Schwinn is a massive downer.
From my latest:
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
Also, the loss of Penny Schwinn is a massive downer.
From my latest:
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
Finally, the Southern Surge is getting the national attention it deserves. 🙌
I collected the key articles from the last month, in case you missed them. Honestly, they came so fast and furious that I haven’t been able to post them all here.
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
I collected the key articles from the last month, in case you missed them. Honestly, they came so fast and furious that I haven’t been able to post them all here.
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
October 24, 2025 at 2:28 AM
Finally, the Southern Surge is getting the national attention it deserves. 🙌
I collected the key articles from the last month, in case you missed them. Honestly, they came so fast and furious that I haven’t been able to post them all here.
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
I collected the key articles from the last month, in case you missed them. Honestly, they came so fast and furious that I haven’t been able to post them all here.
open.substack.com/pub/karenvai...
Reposted by Karen Vaites
Late to reading this but this is interesting because it isn’t just correlation (like lots of previous studies). They tracked impact over time.
New study in JAMA:
“Preteens using increasing amounts of social media perform poorer in reading, vocabulary and memory tests in early adolescence compared with those who use no or little social media.”
“It's problematic… even in small doses."
Important read:
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
“Preteens using increasing amounts of social media perform poorer in reading, vocabulary and memory tests in early adolescence compared with those who use no or little social media.”
“It's problematic… even in small doses."
Important read:
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
Kids who use social media score lower on reading and memory tests, a study shows
Data from a large, ongoing study of adolescents shows a link between increasing social media use and lower cognition and memory in teens.
www.npr.org
October 23, 2025 at 4:35 AM
Late to reading this but this is interesting because it isn’t just correlation (like lots of previous studies). They tracked impact over time.
This piece had me at the title:
“Stop Being Such F****** Killjoys”
A timely call by @katasolow.bsky.social to end silly infighting in k-12 spaces.
open.substack.com/pub/scienceo...
“Stop Being Such F****** Killjoys”
A timely call by @katasolow.bsky.social to end silly infighting in k-12 spaces.
open.substack.com/pub/scienceo...
Stop Being Such F****** Killjoys
A few weeks ago, we shared a video from a 10th grade English class on X.
open.substack.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:11 PM
This piece had me at the title:
“Stop Being Such F****** Killjoys”
A timely call by @katasolow.bsky.social to end silly infighting in k-12 spaces.
open.substack.com/pub/scienceo...
“Stop Being Such F****** Killjoys”
A timely call by @katasolow.bsky.social to end silly infighting in k-12 spaces.
open.substack.com/pub/scienceo...