Examining Representations of Reading Education in Images and Headlines Accompanying 'Education Week' Articles on the Science of Reading

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Examining Representations of Reading Education in Images and Headlines Accompanying 'Education Week' Articles on the Science of Reading
Language: English
Authors: Stephanie F. Reid (ORCID 0000-0001-8477-2371), Reka C. Barton (ORCID 0000-0003-1003-563X)
Source: Education Policy Analysis Archives. 2025 33(74).
Availability: Colleges of Education at Arizona State University and the University of South Florida. c/o Editor, USF EDU162, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620-5650. Tel: 813-974-3400; Fax: 813-974-3826; Web site: https://epaa.asu.edu/ojs/index.php/epaa
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 22
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Descriptors: Reading Research, Reading Instruction, Imagery, Journalism, Publications, Journal Articles, Content Analysis, Discourse Analysis, News Media, Opinions, Reading Processes
ISSN: 1068-2341
Abstract: This study examined how "Education Week," an education news magazine, represented reading, students, and educators in headlines and images accompanying articles on the Science of Reading. This study drew from multimodal content analysis, thematic analysis, and discourse analysis methods to analyze 87 images from 62 unique articles, opinion pieces, or special reports on the Science of Reading. The authors examined who the images featured and analyzed how these images depicted reading and reading education. The multilayered data analysis resulted in the construction of five themes: (1) the Science of Reading model was presented in uninterrupted ways; (2) reading was depicted as mysterious and goal-less and also as (3) a process in pieces; (4) the wholeness of students and teachers was not recognized; and (5) the images offered narrow representations of education expertise. Ultimately, education journalism enacts powerful public pedagogy that shapes and is shaped by audiences that include policymakers. When literacy education news reporting does not represent the nuance, divergence, and full breadth of conversations about reading instruction, education news risks becoming more aligned with advocacy than with the deep communication of significant issues.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1489126
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This study examined how "Education Week," an education news magazine, represented reading, students, and educators in headlines and images accompanying articles on the Science of Reading. This study drew from multimodal content analysis, thematic analysis, and discourse analysis methods to analyze 87 images from 62 unique articles, opinion pieces, or special reports on the Science of Reading. The authors examined who the images featured and analyzed how these images depicted reading and reading education. The multilayered data analysis resulted in the construction of five themes: (1) the Science of Reading model was presented in uninterrupted ways; (2) reading was depicted as mysterious and goal-less and also as (3) a process in pieces; (4) the wholeness of students and teachers was not recognized; and (5) the images offered narrow representations of education expertise. Ultimately, education journalism enacts powerful public pedagogy that shapes and is shaped by audiences that include policymakers. When literacy education news reporting does not represent the nuance, divergence, and full breadth of conversations about reading instruction, education news risks becoming more aligned with advocacy than with the deep communication of significant issues.
ISSN:1068-2341