Inside America’s literacy crisis and efforts to change how kids learn to read | ABCNL

About this Video

• Video Title: Inside America’s literacy crisis and efforts to change how kids learn to read | ABCNL
• Channel: ABC News
• Speakers: Joe Bryant, Damicus, Kezny Cook, Carla Pleasant, David, Chantelle Barhorst, Dr. Kimiana Burke, Christy Sharon, George Stephanopoulos
• Duration: 00:09:57

Introduction

This ABC News video investigates the literacy crisis in America, focusing on the struggles of students to learn to read and the various approaches used to address this issue. The report highlights the effectiveness of phonics-based instruction compared to other methods like "balanced literacy," showcasing success stories from states like Mississippi and Ohio that have implemented phonics-focused curricula.

Key Takeaways

• The US faces a significant literacy crisis: A substantial portion of fourth and eighth graders read below the basic level, a problem that has persisted for decades.
• Phonics-based instruction is highly effective: Schools that switched from "balanced literacy" (which sometimes encourages guessing words based on context or pictures) to focused phonics instruction saw dramatic improvements in reading scores. Mississippi's dramatic turnaround in literacy scores serves as a prime example.
• Early intervention is crucial: The younger a child is when reading difficulties are addressed, the easier it is to help them. Intervention becomes significantly harder after second or third grade.
• Multiple approaches are being taken to address the crisis: States are mandating phonics instruction and other "science of reading" methods, and some are implementing state-funded tutoring programs to provide additional support to struggling readers.
• The problem extends beyond the classroom: Parents and home environments play a vital role in early literacy development.