Reading is more than just recognizing words—it’s a complex process involving multiple cognitive functions and skills. The science or components of reading, rooted in decades of interdisciplinary research across education, psychology, and neuroscience, help us understand how reading develops, why difficulties arise, and which instructional practices are most effective. Reading isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach or a packaged program; it’s built on evidence-based methods that align with how the brain processes language and print.