There's Research for That - by Heidi Anne Mesmer & Katie Hilden-Clouse (Paperback)

About the Book

There's Research for That presents 20 common questions K-5 teachers ask about teaching reading. For each question, the authors provide background information, summarize what the research says, and offer examples of how to apply that research to instruction. This book fills a gap related to reading research; most professional books are broad and do not analyze research findings or connect them to specific practices.

Book Synopsis

A clear and actionable guide to making sense of and implementing the Science of Reading

There's Research for That answers common questions about teaching literacy, such as how many letters to teach per week and the benefits of teaching handwriting in a digital world. The Science of Reading directly affects how K-5 teachers do their jobs. It's hard to keep up with all of the findings, and teachers need guidance on how to apply research in practice. This book offers a solution, giving you accessible explanations, examples, and strategies for helping your students build literacy skills.

Each chapter covers a single question, making it easy to find what you're looking for when you need it. The authors discuss the question, describe the history behind current practices, and unlike other books, There's Research For That actually walks you through the "what" of the research and the "why," showing how research connects to everyday teaching. Woven throughout are pointers on how best instructional practices can be applied or adapted for students across academic levels, and from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

This resource:

• Explains research on literacy education in a handy Q&A format
• Describes teaching best practices and the reasons behind them
• Shows you how to update what you're already doing to reflect new evidence
• Can be used with various literacy curriculums and reading programs

This comprehensive and user-friendly breakdown of the Science of Reading will help ensure that you're doing what works to help develop students' literacy skills.

Review Quotes

"Unreservedly recommended."-- "Wisconsin Bookwatch, Midwest Book Review"

"Wow, what a great contribution to the field, translating reading research into actionable practice for classroom teachers and school leaders! The questions asked and answered are right on target with the questions I get repeatedly as I work in professional development with teachers and school leaders in elementary schools. The content is presented using accessible language coupled with excellent support graphics. This is a must-have for those trying to implement the Science of Reading instruction!"--D. Ray Reutzel, Ph.D., Distinguished Research Fellow, Center for the School of the Future, Utah State University, Former Dean and Professor Emeritus, College of Education, University of Wyoming, Recipient of the 2019 William S. Gray Citation of Merit

"There's Research for That: Your K-5 Literacy Instruction Questions Answered by Heidi Anne Mesmer and Katie Hilden is an invaluable resource for elementary educators. Mesmer and Hilden tackle 20 common questions that teachers have about reading instruction, providing evidence-based answers and practical, classroom-friendly strategies. This book bridges the gap between research and practice, making complex literacy studies accessible and actionable for teachers who want to improve their students' reading outcomes. It's a must-read for anyone seeking to base their literacy instruction on the latest science of reading."--Nancy Frey, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Educational Leadership, College of Education, San Diego State University

"As educators strive to align their reading instructional practice with the scientific research evidence, they are often at a loss for how to do so because so much research evidence exists behind paywalls. Additionally, even when research is accessible, overburdened educators have little time for reading and critically evaluating research in order to apply it to practice. Mesmer and Hilden offer solutions to these barriers, clearly and concisely articulating the ways science can inform instruction, and shedding light on specific research-tested instructional practices to support key aspects of reading achievement. Any teacher wondering how to implement 'the science of reading' in practice will encounter this book as a breath of fresh air that illuminates the ways reading research can be applied directly to instruction in ways that will positively impact student achievement. I am so grateful to Heidi Anne and Katie for compiling this essential--and much-needed--resource!"--Kelly B. Cartwright, Ph.D., Spangler Distinguished Professor of Early Child Literacy, Department of Reading and Elementary Education, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

"Most teachers understand the importance of teaching children to read and write. Yet sometimes the vast amount of information and approaches to doing so is overwhelming. This book by Heidi Anne Mesmer and Katie Hilden meets this challenge. There's Research for That is written in an easy-to-digest question and answer format that unpacks the most pressing questions that I hear about how to effectively and efficiently teaching children to read and write. From print concepts to sound walls to invented spelling, comprehension strategies to sentence comprehension to executive function, and more, Mesmer and Hilden make complex research accessible. They translate this expansive research base into high-leverage instructional practices with engaging translational graphics and useful resources for further exploration. This book is the perfect addition to the busy educator's library to guide their instructional decision making. It is a literacy resource that new, novice, and experienced educators alike will want to keep forever."--Dana A. Robertson, Ed.D., Associate Professor of Reading and Literacy Education, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia

"This book offers a refreshing perspective on the Science of Reading, highlighting its potential to enhance literacy instruction through meaningful and quality research. Heidi Anne Mesmer and Katie Hilden encourage educators to engage deeply with SoR, applying it thoughtfully rather than following trends. Their insights promote an informed and research-based approach to reading instruction that honors teachers' expertise and dedication."--Chase Young, Ph.D., Professor of Literacy Education, Associate Director of the Teaching & Learning Center, Editor of Literacy Research and Instruction

About the Author

Heidi Anne E. Mesmer, Ph.D., is a Professor in Literacy in the School of Education at Virginia Tech. Her research has appeared in numerous publications, and she has written and directed eight grants aimed at improving reading instruction in K-5 classrooms. Dr. Mesmer is the author of several books, including There's Research for That: Your K-5 Literacy Instruction Questions Answered.

Katie Hilden-Clouse, Ph.D., is a Professor of Literacy in the School of Teacher Education and Leadership at Radford University, where she serves as Coordinator of the Literacy Education Graduate Program. Her research interests are informational text comprehension and reading assessment. She is the author of There's Research for That: Your K-5 Literacy Instruction Questions Answered.