Key Insights on Literacy Education with Dr. Hugh Catts

AIM Institute’s 2023 Research to Practice Symposium examined the complexity of reading comprehension and provided educators insights for classroom practice. During the event, we sat down with one of our esteemed presenters, Dr. Hugh Catts, who has extensive experience in studying dyslexia. Keep reading to hear the three things he’s hopeful about in literacy and what he would like people to know about reading comprehension. Watch the video above or read our highlights below. 

The Emphasis on Dyslexia

With over 40 years of experience studying dyslexia, Dr. Catts is excited about the new found attention on this area, fueled by grassroots efforts. He is hopeful about implementing a preventive model, which aims to identify children at risk early and provide interventions to alleviate reading difficulties and their secondary consequences. This shift towards early identification and intervention represents a major stride in supporting students with dyslexia. 

Advancing the Science of Reading

Dr. Catts is also hopeful about how the movement towards understanding what research reveals about reading is gaining momentum. Traditionally, Dr. Catts notes, the focus has been on fundamental reading skills, but there’s now an expanding conversation around other facets of reading, particularly comprehension. This involves exploring the role of knowledge in aiding a person’s understanding of what they read, thereby enhancing their comprehension abilities. 

Innovations in Technology

Lastly, Dr. Catts believes the horizon of literacy education is bright with technological advances. He notes that we’re nearing a point where personalized assessments, facilitated by speech recognition technology, will be a reality. This innovation paves the way for tailored instruction and intervention, catering to the unique needs of each student. 

Two Insights on Reading Comprehension

Dr. Catts also emphasized two crucial points regarding reading comprehension: 

1. Reading Comprehension as a Constructive Process: Dr. Catts emphasized that reading comprehension cannot be fully gauged using a single instrument. Rather, it’s a complex process, more akin to something we create than directly instruct. Comprehension involves equipping students with fundamental reading skills and knowledge necessary for understanding texts. It’s about fostering curiosity and interest in learning, which is as crucial for educators as it is for policy makers and parents.
2. Reevaluating Student Achievement: Dr. Catts advocates for a shift in assessing student achievement. Instead of relying on standardized reading measures, he suggests evaluating students’ understanding of subject-level material. This approach assesses how well students comprehend and use the material from their curriculum in reading or writing, offering a more holistic view of their learning progress. 

Our discussion with Dr. Catts underscores the dynamic nature of literacy education. As we embrace new research, methodologies, and technologies, it’s clear that the field of literacy is evolving in impactful ways. These advancements will not only enhance our approach to reaching reading but also enrich the learning experiences of countless students. 

Evidence-Based Early Literacy Instruction with AIM Institute

If you'd like to discover more about equipping all your staff members, from leaders and teachers to specialists and paraeducators, with effective learning opportunities, let’s start a conversation. 

You can also sign up for our free symposium on March 11, 2024: The Intersection of Reading and Writing. This exceptional event offers a day of insightful learning with leading experts, accessible via live stream with recordings available.

About AIM Institute: The AIM Institute for Learning & Research® is a non-profit center for educational excellence and professional development, providing educators with the latest research, technology, and  evidence-based practices in the fields of literacy and language-based learning disabilities.