New site on reading research

This is actually the wonderful Florida Center for Reading Research, www.fcrr.org, based in Tallahassee, FL, where Florida State University is located. It has been around a number of years, and performs sophisticated dyslexia research for the federal government's National Institute for Child Health and Human Development.

It was established and formerly directed by the remarkable (and now retired) Dr. Joseph Torgesen, an FSU professor and a legend in the world of dyslexia research. It is currently directed by the respected Dr. Barbara Foorman.

In addition to performing research and encouraging its scientists to participate in speaking engagements to educate the public about dyslexia, FCRR also provides an independent, scientific evaluation of the various reading methods used by Florida public school districts. Be aware, however, that the language used to describe even ineffective programs is careful and diplomatic, so you must read between the lines. If you do that, the information you need is there.

Here is the start page for
those reports:

www.fcrr.org/FCRRReports/index.aspx

After you read the preliminary explanations of how the reports work, click on "FCRR Reports" at the top. You'll be taken to yet another page of explanations, but then you get to the actual alphabetic list of reading methods. Even though this appears under the "parents" section, it is NOT parent-friendly, so be prepared to slog through some technical terms.

Just remember that "there is currently no scientific evidence to support ..." is professor-speak for: "This doesn't work! Avoid!"

It's worth the effort to visit this superb speak-the-truth reading research site.