What significant change in reading instruction occurred in the 1980s?

The rise of the Basal Reading Program in the 1980s represented a pivotal shift in reading instruction, emphasizing a structured and systematic approach to teaching reading. This program typically comprises a collection of grade-specific readers and accompanying instructional materials designed to provide a scaffolded path for students. The approach promotes reading through a combination of direct instruction and practice through controlled vocabulary and progressive complexity in texts.

During this time, the Basal Reading Program became popular as educators sought to standardize reading instruction across classrooms, providing a consistent framework for both teachers and students. The reliance on these programs allowed teachers to integrate various teaching strategies such as phonics, comprehension skills, and vocabulary development within a defined curriculum. The structured nature of these programs was seen as beneficial in addressing varying student needs in diverse classrooms.

In contrast, other methods such as exclusive phonics approaches or whole language instruction were less favored during this period compared to the robust, multi-faceted curriculum that the Basal Reading programs offered. Thus, recognizing the rise of the Basal Reading Program is crucial to understanding the evolution of reading instruction in the 1980s and its impact on educational practices.