Reading Skills Are in Sharp Decline.

The author of this article highlights compelling evidence of a steady decline in reading proficiency, particularly among 4th to 8th graders, as reflected in the latest Nation’s Report Card in the U.S. But this isn’t just an American problem—global literacy rates are also dropping, as revealed by OECD’s PISA scores.

Surprised? I’m not—and neither is the author. The findings suggest that early learning disruptions during the pandemic played a major role in this decline. Remote learning, while necessary at the time, simply couldn’t replace the crucial in-person interactions needed to build foundational literacy skills in young children or support older students in developing critical thinking abilities.

For English learners, the challenges were even greater during the pandemic especially for younger learners. Learning to read and write in two languages simultaneously became more complex without the structure and guidance of a classroom environment.

How can we recover? 

The author points to tutoring and increased parental involvement as the most effective strategies for reversing this trend. Providing personalized support through tutoring and fostering a strong reading culture at home can help students catch up and build the skills they need to succeed over time.

The question now is: How can we ensure that every child has access to these critical resources? After all, every school district is different, and not everyone can afford private tutoring or has a district that has a robust recovery program in place. However, as parents or caregivers we must control the influences that we have and be intentional and consistent to see the changes for impact that we know can happen.

Parent | Caregiver Coaching Notes

✅ Make reading a daily habit  by reading everyday together every day (even just 20 minutes) 

To be honest, there is just not enough time during the school day for this to always happen consistently. As a consultant and educational leader who converses with educators everyday around the world, some schools struggle with a timetable that has allowed teachers to have sufficient instructional time less then time for independent reading. 

What is more, many schools have not implemented a recovery plan for the loss of learning from COVID. It is a quiet… but very LOUD secret.
You have to do your part with diligence.

✅ Be consistent and choose books that match your child’s interests to make reading fun.

✅ Engage in interactive reading when reading a story, and ask questions to support comprehension like the following: What happens next? or Does this character remind you of any other characters: (Teacher tip: making text to text connections teaches kids how to make meaning)

✅ Limit screen time and make conversations on the way home from school or at dinner sacrosanct for no devices and face to face time to improve language skills and social skills - Trust me it is becoming a lost art.

✅ By taking small, consistent steps at home and shifting habits, you can help bridge the reading gap and set their children up for long-term success. 📖✨

Inquiry from Margo:

Would you like suggestions for specific books or reading activities?
Inbox me a message with grade levels and I will get right on it 😊

Reading Skills Are in Sharp Decline. Rescuing Them Won't be Easy
By Nadia Tamex-Robledo, a, reporter at Edsurge 6 February 2025