How Phonics-Based Programs Can Help Struggling Readers: Solving the U.S. Literacy Crisis

Right now, there’s a growing concern in our schools that we can’t ignore: too many kids are falling behind in reading. The latest results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) show that only 33% of 4th graders in the U.S. are reading at or above the proficient level. This means that two out of three kids aren’t meeting the literacy goals they need to succeed—not just in school, but in life.

The Role of Socio-Economic Status and Race in Literacy

When we dig deeper, we see that the literacy crisis is hitting some kids harder than others, especially when we look at factors like socio-economic status and race:

• Socio-Economic Status: Just 21% of 4th graders from low-income families are reading proficiently, compared to 51% of their peers from higher-income families. This gap often comes down to access—kids from low-income homes might not have as many books at home, quality early education, or the kind of support that helps foster strong reading skills.

• Race and Ethnicity: The numbers are even more alarming when we consider race. Only 18% of Black or African American and 23% of Hispanic 4th graders are reading proficiently, compared to 45% of White students. These disparities highlight systemic issues in our education system, where students of color often face additional challenges, like underfunded schools and a lack of culturally relevant teaching materials.

Understanding the Roots of the Literacy Crisis

There are several key reasons why so many kids are struggling to read:

1. Inconsistent Reading Instruction: Over the years, many schools have moved away from structured, explicit phonics instruction, leaving students without the strong foundation they need to decode words and understand what they’re reading.

2. Underfunded Schools: Schools in low-income areas often don’t have the resources to provide top-notch literacy instruction, including access to experienced reading specialists and up-to-date materials.

3. Early Literacy Gaps: Many children start kindergarten without the basic literacy skills—like recognizing sounds and letters—that set them up for success. These gaps can grow over time, making it harder for kids to catch up.

4. Limited Parental Involvement: Parents play a huge role in helping their kids learn to read, but for many families facing economic pressures, finding the time and resources to support reading at home can be a real challenge.

What Can We Do to Turn Things Around?

To tackle this literacy crisis, we need a comprehensive approach:

1. Recommit to Phonics-Based Instruction: Schools need to embrace research-backed, structured literacy programs that focus on phonics, phonemic awareness, and fluency. These methods have been shown to work, especially for kids who find reading difficult.

2. Boost Funding for Literacy Programs: We need to make sure that literacy programs—especially those in under-resourced communities—get the funding they need. This includes investing in early childhood education, hiring reading specialists, and providing access to books and technology.

3. Empower Parents as Literacy Partners: Schools and community groups should offer resources and workshops to help parents support their children’s reading. This might mean providing books, sharing strategies, or helping families create a reading-friendly environment at home.

4. Focus on Early Intervention: Identifying and supporting struggling readers early is critical. Schools should regularly assess reading skills and offer targeted help to students who need it.

5. Promote Equity in Education: To close the literacy gap, we must address the broader inequities in our education system. All students deserve access to experienced teachers, high-quality curricula, and safe, supportive schools.

At TAS Literacy, we’re committed to being part of the solution. We offer research-based literacy instruction and resources, including phonics programs for struggling readers, that empower both educators and parents to help children become confident, capable readers.

We are also working on a free course to help parents build foundational literacy skills at home with their children. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when it is available!

By working together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive—starting with the basics of reading.

Together, let's build a brighter future for all our readers.

Taylor Sofranko-Sutherland

Founder, TAS Literacy

Citation:

“NAEP Report Card: 2022 NAEP Reading Assessment.” The Nation’s Report Card, www.nationsreportcard.gov/highlights/reading/2022/.