Deep Dives
High-level, nuanced investigations analyzing complex, confusing, and sometimes controversial issues in literacy, shared on AIM Nexus.
Each column delves into the theoretical and research bases of an issue, and identifies where and why gaps in the research exist.
Selecting Vocabulary Words to Teach
Denisha Smith
The Issue
Students encounter far more complex vocabulary than educators have time to teach explicitly, making word selection an important instructional decision. Research can help clarify which words are most valuable to prioritize based on students’ likely familiarity, the demands of a text, and the broader usefulness of a word across contexts.
Set for Variability
Carlin Graveline Ku
The Issue
Some reading difficulties fall outside the “big five” skills educators typically assess. Set for variability (SfV), the ability to adjust a decoded pronunciation to match a familiar spoken word, may play an important role in helping students navigate the complexity and irregularity of English.
Understanding Psychometric Properties
Carlin Graveline Ku
The Issue
Not all widely used assessments are equally supported by evidence. This Deep Dive helps educators and school leaders look beyond familiarity and popularity to better understand a test’s technical quality, intended purpose, and ability to identify students at risk for literacy and language difficulties.
From Elementary to Secondary: What Transfers?
Carlin Graveline Ku
The Issue
Secondary literacy is often overlooked in science of reading conversations, even though older students have distinct needs that require more than simply extending elementary approaches. This Deep Dive explores how structured literacy can be thoughtfully adapted for middle and high school learners to support struggling readers more effectively.