Morning Wire Why Can’t America’s Kids Read? | 4.7.24
Apr 7, 2024
A report reveals that two-thirds of American children are reading below proficiency levels, raising concerns about the implications of illiteracy. Experts discuss the link between poor reading skills and incarceration rates, calling for new strategies to enhance literacy. The debate over phonics versus balanced reading approaches suggests a renewed focus on phonics may improve outcomes. There's a push for universal dyslexia screenings to support affected students. Additionally, educational unions are critiqued for prioritizing social justice over student literacy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Reading Proficiency Crisis
- Two-thirds of 4th and 8th graders cannot read proficiently, according to a national assessment.
- This poses significant risks for their future and may contribute to social problems like incarceration.
Dyslexia and Incarceration
- Studies from Texas and Louisiana prisons show a high percentage of inmates have dyslexia.
- Senator Bill Cassidy links illiteracy, a major risk factor for incarceration, to undiagnosed/unaddressed dyslexia.
Back to Phonics
- Senator Cassidy suggests we should return to phonics-based reading instruction.
- He argues this method, which focuses on sounding out words systematically, is more effective than the currently favored 'balanced reading'.