Introduction
Have you seen ‘The Truth About Reading’? by Executive Producer Tony J. Selimi.
This compelling film sheds light on the journeys of adults who acquired literacy skills later in life. It also confronts a harsh reality: too many high school graduates struggle with reading, and some children can’t read at all.
Alarming Statistics
The film presents some sobering statistics:
- 20% of U.S. Citizens Can’t Read: Shockingly, one-fifth of the United States population lacks basic reading skills.
- 50% Struggle Past 8th Grade: Half of the citizens in the U.S. can’t read beyond an 8th-grade level, limiting their access to essential information.
- 65% of Students Below Grade Level: A staggering 65% of students in the United States are not reading at their expected grade level.
Recognizing the Issue
It’s high time we acknowledge the severity of this issue. Rather than merely diagnosing it, we should focus on reshaping our teaching methods based on research findings. As a teacher and struggling reader, I have learned to recognize the importance of knowing how to lay a good reading foundation for our kids.
The Hidden Struggle
One startling revelation from the film is that people can effectively hide their inability to read. Students may withdraw or exhibit negative behaviors to avoid the humiliation of reading aloud. A poignant example is one gentleman in the film who admitted he’d rather get in trouble for disrupting the class than face the embarrassment of reading aloud.
Learning from History
Reading specialists in the film underscore the importance of historical learning and scientific approaches. They draw an interesting parallel: we wouldn’t allow planes to fly with a 60-80% failure rate, so why persist with teaching methods that fail so many students?
As an educator, I am reminded again and again of making sure kids are actually learning the skills needed to become good readers and not just mimicking me and memorizing pages.
The Value of Literacy
In today’s world, literacy is an essential skill. Reading isn’t just about enjoyment and building relationships; it’s a fundamental skill for personal protection, advancement, and expanding one’s knowledge. Additionally, it’s crucial for effectively sharing and communicating ideas through writing.
While videos and audio resources are readily available, the written word offers a depth of ideas and vocabulary that can’t be matched. Without the ability to read, write, and communicate effectively, individuals are at a significant disadvantage.
It’s Not About Fancy Words or Degrees
Let’s make it clear: literacy isn’t about using fancy words or holding advanced degrees. It’s about giving people a solid reading foundation so they can pursue their passions without the limitations of illiteracy. Every child has the potential to learn to read and achieve their goals!
Addressing the Achievement Gap
Research has highlighted a significant achievement gap in high school, mainly due to a lack of a strong reading foundation. If students struggle with basic reading skills, how can we expect them to comprehend and learn from complex texts?
The Educator’s Challenge
The root of this problem lies in the fact that many educators aren’t adequately equipped to teach reading. It’s not just about dyslexia; it’s about ‘dysteachia.’ I loved how one teacher called it ‘dysteachia’ exposing our kids to a rich language environment is not the same as teaching them to read! The film doesn’t deny the existence of dyslexia; it challenges traditional reading instruction methods, like memorizing whole words and relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
A Way Forward
So, what’s the solution?
- Systematic and Explicit Instruction: Students need a structured approach to reading.
- Phonemic Awareness: Hearing and manipulating the sounds within a word.
- Sound/letter connection: Building an understanding of how sounds and letters correlate in words.
- Feedback and Error Correction: Providing constructive feedback is essential for progress.
- Unlocking the English Code: Helping students make sense of the intricacies of the English language.
Supporting Solutions
Personally, I endorse approaches like Reading Simplified and EBLI, which help unlock the reading code effectively. By laying a strong foundation and providing ample practice and feedback, these methods set children on the path to becoming lifelong readers.
Conclusion: A Vital Skill for Society
In conclusion, reading is an indispensable skill for success in our society. Building a strong reading foundation is the key to becoming an efficient reader. While starting early is advantageous, it’s never too late to learn to read. With a teachable attitude and practice, everyone can unlock their full reading potential.
If you or your child is struggling to read effectively, schedule a Free Discovery call to learn how I can help you or your child meet their reading goals. I offer both group and 1-on-1 classes. My goal is to help every person reach their reading goal!
Recommended Reading:
Cultivating a Love for Lifelong Learning Why We Shouldn’t Teach Letter Names