Why, despite decades of efforts, have we not made more progress in improving reading, writing, and math outcomes? Why is the achievement gap so hard to defeat?
Part of the answer lies in understanding that not all learning follows the same path. Skills generally fall into two distinct categories: constrained and unconstrained.
If you are looking to build, fund, or evaluate programs that truly move the needle for kids, understanding the balance between these two types of skills is critical.
Here is a quick summary of the core concepts covered in the video above:
Constrained Skills (Finite & Measurable): These are skills with a clear ceiling. Once a child learns them, they are mastered. Examples include learning the alphabet, numbers, phonics, and addition. They are straightforward to teach and assess. They are mostly learned in formal classroom settings.
Unconstrained Skills (Infinite & Deep): These skills have no ceiling. They develop slowly across a lifetime. Examples include executive function, vocabulary, world knowledge, and mathematical reasoning. They develop from experiences and direct and indirect instruction outside and inside the classroom.
The Bottom Line: From the beginning, constrained and unconstrained skills interact with each other to support proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. Children do not just need one or the other—they need to develop both simultaneously to thrive in school and beyond.
Want to dive deeper into the research and data and see the long-term implications of this framework? Check out our series on the Importance of Skill Type for reading, writing, and math achievement.
