1A How Can States Improve Student Reading Scores?
May 20, 2025
Join Kimyana Burke, a senior policy fellow and former state literacy director, Chad Alderman, an education analyst and founder of Read, Not Guess, and Emily Hanford, a senior producer at APM Reports, as they tackle the pressing issue of declining U.S. reading scores. They explore the surprising literacy gains in Mississippi and Louisiana, dissect effective teaching strategies, and discuss the shocking history of flawed reading curricula. Discover what makes these states unique and how their success stories can guide national education reform.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Complex Causes of Declining Reading Scores
- U.S. reading scores declined pre-COVID due to policy changes and societal shifts.
- Factors include less accountability, screen time increase, and reduced reading culture.
Instruction's Crucial Role in Reading
- Instruction, particularly how reading is taught, impacts student literacy outcomes deeply.
- Many teachers lack training on how reading works, affecting teaching quality.
Mississippi's Literacy Turnaround Story
- Mississippi's low reading scores stemmed from poverty and under-resourced schools.
- The state improved by creating a common literacy goal and providing coaches and professional development.