Humanity Research IN S.T.E.A.M.
Literacy Beyond 2022—Return to a New Better By Diane Devenyi
Abstract In this article, I will consider the new challenges faced by educators in the wake of two years of interrupted classroom experiences due to a global pandemic. The literacy and learning gaps exposed for many students reveal the need to revisit how we educate our children. As the world returns to more in-person learning, there is a unique opportunity to whole-heartedly integrate decades of educational research that has yet to be experienced by millions of students. I will review various components believed to be necessary for literacy and learning development as I construct what I feel is a well-rounded approach to literacy for current inperson classroom and distance environments. I will also pay special attention to universal pedagogical practices that accelerate learning for all participants while giving those considered “at risk” the solid foundation they require.
Introduction: For more than 20 years, I have been passionate about the effect that solid, well-rounded foundations in literacy and learning skills can have on human potential. I have also seen how challenging it has been to integrate decades of wisdom from those who study learning into universal classroom practices. My passion for reform has never waned as I developed hands-on workshops that apply accelerated learning techniques to turn around common literacy issues of poor spelling, messy writing, slow reading, and trouble turning thoughts into spoken or written words. When the world shut down in March 2020 for two weeks and then two years, I had to do what many businesses did: pivot to online learning experiences. It has been frustrating to see the challenges and failures of distance learning for many. I also saw, however, an opportunity to reshape learning so that the recent hyper-acceleration of technology in our lives can also accelerate learning and literacy skills for all. In furthering this aspiration, I consider what constitutes a holistic literacy program that can meet the needs of more students than is currently the case in most in-person and distance classrooms.
Background: I will conduct a literary review of theories and practices in literacy and learning and also add my personal experiences and observations in an attempt to define the components of a foundational literacy program that 12
