Reading growth in kids refers to the measurable improvement in their ability to decode, understand, and engage with written text. It includes gains in four key areas: Fluency – the ability to read smoothly, accurately, and with appropriate expression Comprehension – the capacity to understand, recall, and think critically about what’s read Vocabulary – the … Read more
Across classrooms in the U.S., millions of children are struggling to meet grade-level reading expectations. In fact, more than one in three students nationwide cannot read at a basic level of proficiency by the end of third grade, a statistic that has remained stubbornly persistent for decades. Among underserved populations including English Language Learners (ELLs), … Read more
Imagine this: A second-grade student named Mia sits quietly at her desk, avoiding eye contact with her teacher during reading time. Despite her efforts, the letters on the page seem to dance around, and the words don’t make sense. She struggles to decode even simple sentences. Traditional instruction—workbooks, flashcards, silent reading—hasn’t worked. She’s frustrated, anxious, … Read more
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which children—and adults—develop the skills to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, show empathy for others, establish and maintain healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) outlines five core competencies at the heart of SEL: Self-awareness Self-management … Read more
Neurodivergent readers are students whose brains process information in ways that differ from what is traditionally expected in a neurotypical classroom. This includes learners with conditions such as: Dyslexia – affecting phonological processing and word decoding; ADHD – impacting attention, working memory, and impulse control; Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – often influencing language development, literal … Read more
“Did you know that reading proficiency by third grade is one of the strongest predictors of high school graduation—and even future career success?” This isn’t just an educational milestone; it’s a life milestone. Research shows that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely … Read more