The International Reading Association published their 11th Annual “What’s Hot” survey . If you haven’t looked at this survey before, the results reflect the opinions of 25 literacy leaders; each respondent is asked to rate a topic as “hot” or “not hot,” and then asked whether the topic “should be hot” or “should not be hot,” (summary chart here. )
So, what’s hot? Adolescent literacy. Very hot, and should be, according to respondents. The other hot topics are ones we’ve seen before and come as little surprise (among them direct/explicit instruction, English as a second language/English-language learners, fluency).
What’s not hot? Phonemic awareness. Since the survey began, respondents have always rated PA as “very hot” or at least “hot,” but not this year! The report’s authors suggest that the topic may have been getting too much attention in the past, that there’s been enough research on the topic already, and that it’s a topic that (according to the NRP ) only requires (for most children) approximately 18 hours of instruction.
What else is not hot? Preschool literacy instruction. Really?! I hope they’re wrong. I’m convinced we need to invest in our youngest children.
What’s on your reading hot and not hot list?