In 2000, the National Reading Panel (NRP) reviewed thousands of studies on reading research. The National Reading Panel’s analysis made it clear that the best approach to reading instruction is a combination of explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. More recent research challenged the NRP’s original assumption that spelling develops naturally as a result of direct instruction in phonics and phonemic awareness. Experts now agree that explicit spelling instruction is needed to develop students’ writing skills and that students need opportunities to apply phonics skills to writing. For more information on the NRP’s work: National Reading Panel Publications.
