Avoiding unintended consequences: science of reading policies may harm deaf children

Many U.S. policies inspired by the Science of Reading rest on two assumptions: (1) skilled reading always involves automatic mapping between written words and speech sounds, and (2) all children benefit from systematic instruction of phonological awareness and phonics. These assumptions are not wholly accurate, that they do not consider scientific evidence from deaf readers, and that policies based on these assumptions may be harmful to deaf children. First, skilled reading does not always rely on phonology. Evidence shows that deaf readers can read effectively without using spoken language phonology and that phonological processing can be unrelated to reading skill in this group. Second, a fundamental issue in deaf education is prioritizing speech and hearing over language development, academics, cognition, and socio-emotional well-being. This unhealthy imbalance persists despite the mounting evidence that we cannot ensure deaf children acquire spoken language. Policies mandating speech-based reading instruction for all children overlook how deaf readers develop literacy, and reinforce the overemphasis on speech, which creates the conditions for language deprivation. We caution against a one-size-fits-all approach to reading instruction and emphasize the need for differentiated instruction that respects the diverse ways beginning readers, including deaf learners, acquire literacy.