balanced literacy

American  

noun

1. a method of teaching reading in which phonics and whole language approaches are both used to maximize student learning.

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Etymology

Origin of balanced literacy

First recorded in 1995–2000

Example Sentences

“But it’s a steep learning curve,” she said, especially for teachers who have long taught a balanced literacy approach.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2025

Younger Alphas are also likely to benefit from the nationwide shift away from balanced literacy and towards the phonics-based science of reading, which could soon become mandatory under California law.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2024

Before the switch, SPS used a method called balanced literacy, which places a greater emphasis on teaching children to recognize whole words, said Luke Justice, project manager of continuous improvement in early literacy.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 30, 2023

For example, in May 2022, Lucy Calkins, an education professor and leading advocate of balanced literacy, announced a major retreat.

From Scientific American • Sep. 26, 2023

Both a phonics program and a balanced literacy program are crucial for reading and writing success.

From New York Times • Jun. 4, 2022