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

For decades, most school districts in California have been devoted to a different approach called “whole language” or “balanced literacy,” built on the belief that children naturally learn to read without being taught how to sound out words.

From Los Angeles Times

But the research has become clear: Looking at the pictures or context of a story to guess a word — as is encouraged in whole language or balanced literacy instruction, leads to struggles with reading.

From Los Angeles Times

She was seeing many children under “balanced literacy” lessons slip through the cracks — especially those with limited vocabularies.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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