If Literacy Is a Priority, Why Do We Cling to the Wrong Practices?

Conversely, recent data shows a troubling decline in reading proficiency. The 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress revealed that 40 percent of students scored at the “below basic” level in reading, highlighting an alarming gap between higher and lower-performing readers. This situation poses serious risks for students, as poor reading skills often lead to high school dropout rates and subsequent negative life outcomes.