When drafting legislation for dyslexia, evidence based should be used rather than research based as they are not the same. Per Dr. Sally Shaywitz from the Decoding Dyslexia conference, evidence based is proven methods while scientifically based reading research (SBRR) is based on theories of science but not necessarily proven.
Evidence based is systematic, explicit instruction and the term evidence based must be used in:
- early screening
- intervention
- professional development
- training
From the posting A Major Step Forward on the Yale Center for Dyslexia And Creativity:
We must ensure that programs that are used truly meet the standard of “evidence –based” and that this scientific term is not used indiscriminately, that is, plunked down to describe a program that does not truly meet the high standard and implications of what “evidence-based” implies. This means that if a program promotes itself as “evidence-based,” it must be required to produce evidence of a randomized field trial where the program in question is tested against other programs and that this program was demonstrated as effective in improving students’ reading. The model for such evidence-based field trials are those required by the FDA for medications before the medication is approved as effective and ready for use.
It would be a shame to allow the term “evidence-based” to be used to describe a program, indiscriminately, without reliable evidence that the program is actually effective in improving students’ reading. It is important to appreciate that anecdotal or received wisdom is insufficient. We have come too far and made too much progress to allow anything less than valid scientific evidence to be used in determining if, indeed, a program is effective in improving students’ reading. Thus, there must be a strict criterion of proof emanating from positive field trials – whether used:
- in a school to teach children to read;
- by colleges to train future teachers of reading; or
- in providing professional development to teachers.
The gold standard must be proof (evidence) that the program improves the children’s reading. To accept anything less would be a regressive step backwards and a loss for all the parents, educators and children who are eagerly awaiting programs that truly have evidence that they are effective.
The above is an excerpt from the article A Major Step Forward. Please take the time to read the entire article as it is excellent. It summarizes “The Science of Dyslexia” House Committee Hearing as well as provides Dr. Sally Shaywitz’s recommendations made to the Congressional Science, Space and Technology Committee on September 18, 2014. Please also refer to The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity’s Dyslexia Declaration of Rights.
Please watch Dr. Sally Shaywitz at the House Committee hearing on “The Science of Dyslexia,” September 18, 2014 as she explains the difference between Evidence-Based Programs compared to Research-Based Programs and why we need to select evidence-based programs to help students with dyslexia succeed. Evidence based instruction is not only crucial for the 1 in 5 students with dyslexia, but it makes ALL students more successful.
Resources
- How To Guide: Starting a Grassroots Movement for Dyslexia
- Dyslexia Laws in the US
- 3rd Grade Reading Policies Across the Nation
- International Dyslexia Association’s Model State Literacy Law
- Literate Nation (a wealth of resources on the following links)
You Are Not Alone: How Parents Can Join Forces to Become Advocates for Students with Dyslexia
Click here for PDF of slide presentation. Click here for questions that were answered after the presentation ended.