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Lev Vygotsky’s publication of Thought and Language
“Vygotsky viewed language as an essential tool for communication and that culture and behaviour was understood through language” (Gowrie). Culture and social environments play a large role in a child’s language development. -
Jean Piaget’s Publication of his Cognitive Development Theory
“At its most basic, the theory recognises that a child's intelligence develops in stages. These stages are universal to all children and always occur in the same order” (Gowrie). Children learn by self-led observation and will move through different stages of development. -
Marie Clay’s concept of Emergent Literacy
This concept builds upon the idea that a child’s learning is influenced by culture. “Clay recognizes children use context from their own development and life to correlate to literature. Making connections helps students to learn better. -
Gough and Tunmer’s Simple view of Reading
Stated that reading comprehension is the result of two components: word recognition (decoding) and language comprehension. Both of these skills are now seen as necessary before reading comprehension can ever be achieved. -
No Child Left Behind Act
This Act reauthorized and amended the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, introducing measures to close the achievement gap with accountability, flexibility, and choice, so that no child is left behind. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
This Act reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, replacing the No Child Left Behind Act. ESSA shifted significant control over public education from the federal government to states and local districts. States/districts can now determine pacing and academic standards themselves.