reading Archives

Summer reading for teaching and school improvement: Harnessing the Science of Learning

July 24, 2026 by Miriam Williams, M.Ed., 3P Learning

When implemented thoughtfully, Science of Learning principles help educators focus their energy on what moves the needle for student learning

Every summer, I find myself in conversations with teachers and administrators trying to figure out why their current pedagogical practices are or aren’t working. So, once I came…

Literacy

My son wasn’t dyslexic—he was never properly taught to read

July 23, 2026 by Jenny Kier, Reading Horizons

When my son Hunter was in fifth grade, his teacher told me he was struggling with reading comprehension. I nodded politely and moved on.

Literacy

New generational reading, math scores have bright spots, but there’s still work to do

June 22, 2026 by Laura Stewart, 95 Percent Group

Ameer Baraka knew something was wrong long before anyone gave it a name. Ameer grew up in poverty in Louisiana and had difficulty learning to read, but no…

Literacy

6 keys to building a high-impact summer reading program

June 17, 2026 by Samantha Krzyzanowski, Hope for Youth and Families

In 2023, Bob Bolduc, the founder of Hope for Youth and Families, identified a gap in our student’s reading success here in Springfield, Massachusetts. He sought to identify…

Literacy

The hidden skill many kids are losing

June 11, 2026 by Dr. Benjamin N. Powers, The Southport School

Once upon a time. For generations, those four words were an invitation. Children leaned in because a story was beginning. They would listen closely, follow the characters, and…

Literacy

This elementary school banned screens in the middle of the year. Will it solve their reading crisis?

May 8, 2026 by Lily Altavena, Chalkbeat

When it comes to the ban on screens, school leaders think it’s much easier to teach students technology skills than social skills.

Last month, Mesick Consolidated Schools banned digital devices in its elementary school of about 250 students. The decision wasn’t an agonizing one. The ban came at astonishing speed,…

Literacy

5 ways to make reading click for teens

April 23, 2026 by Carey Sweet, The Reading League Florida Chapter

Five classroom-tested approaches that make reading engaging, relevant and sustainable for teens and middle school students.

Reading is competing for attention in a world built for scrolling. A recent University of Florida study found that the share of Americans who read for pleasure on…

AI in Education

The layer every AI roundup is missing: Why methodology matters more than content

March 18, 2026 by Adriana Perusin, Flip Education

The AI tools that will actually shift outcomes for students are the ones built on pedagogical foundations.

Last year, a third-grade teacher in São Paulo told me she had "finally found the perfect AI tool." It generated colorful worksheets in seconds. Vocabulary lists, reading comprehension…

Literacy

From fragmentation to fidelity: How Wayne-Westland built a literacy system that works

March 16, 2026 by Nancy Schulz, Wayne-Westland Community School District

Proper diagnostics create a foundation to help close the literacy gap and drive measurable outcomes for all students.

On the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress, only about one in four fourth graders in Michigan scored at or above proficiency in reading--a stark reminder that too…

AI in Education

AI didn’t break homework: It exposed what was already broken

February 23, 2026 by Nesreen El-Baz, Bloomsbury Education Author & School Governor

In an AI era where homework can be generated instantly, the most valuable evidence of learning is human reasoning behind the finished product

Who among us has never copied a homework answer in a hurry? Borrowed a friend’s paragraph? Accepted a parent’s “small correction” that eventually became a full rewrite?

Literacy

Why schools and public libraries must unite–in summer and all year long

February 19, 2026February 19, 2026 by Britten Follett, Follett Content Solutions

When schools and public libraries work together, they don’t just promote summer reading--they nurture lifelong readers.

Some of the most effective literacy ecosystems today are those where schools and public libraries work not in parallel, but in partnership with parents and students.

Literacy

A quicker climb up the literacy mountain: Why rigor and efficiency matter in early reading

February 12, 2026 by Leah Ruesink, Early Literacy Coach

In early reading, first graders who are behind have an 88 percent chance of still being behind in fourth grade--rigor and efficiency are key.

In early literacy, the goal is simple but urgent: Help students become independent readers and writers. Every instructional decision we make either moves them closer to that goal…

Literacy

What’s in and out in literacy instruction for 2026

February 11, 2026 by Stacy Hurst, Reading Horizons

The conversation around literacy instruction has reached a turning point. After decades of debate, we're finally seeing a broad consensus around evidence-based practices--but the challenge now is moving…

Literacy

5 high-frequency and irregular word teaching strategies rooted in the Science of Reading

February 10, 2026 by Kendall Stallings, Fairfield County (CT) Kindergarten Teacher

When it comes to teaching, educators can move beyond memorization and equip students with the tools they need for fluent, confident reading.

When students learn to read in the early elementary years, developing phonemic awareness, decoding skills, and blending typically take priority. Another essential component of fluent reading, however, is…

College and Career Readiness

The three P’s of writing a memorable college essay

January 26, 2026 by Christa Olson, Independent Education Consultant

Authentic college essays result from an insightful process that uncovers the writer’s personality without obsessing over perfection.

As a former admissions officer and now an independent education consultant, I’ve read thousands of college essays. The ones that earn students admission to their dream schools aren’t…

ELL

Why every middle school student deserves a second chance to learn to read

December 15, 2025 by Kim Hicks, Southwestern Jefferson County Consolidated School

Between kindergarten and second grade, much of the school day is dedicated to helping our youngest students master phonics, syllabication, and letter-sound correspondence--the essential building blocks to lifelong…

Literacy

Solving the staffing crisis is key to the Science of Reading movement

December 5, 2025 by Laura Stewart, 95 Percent Group

As someone who’s dedicated my career to advancing the Science of Reading movement, I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to help every child become a strong, fluent reader.

Literacy

3 strategies to boost student reading fluency this school year

October 31, 2025 by Dr. Carolyn Brown, Foundations in Learning

All students can become strong, proficient readers when they are given the right tools, instruction, and support in reading fluency.

With the new school year now rolling, teachers and school leaders are likely being hit with a hard truth: Many students are not proficient in reading.

Curriculum & Assessment

NAEP scores for class of 2024 show major declines, with fewer students college ready

September 26, 2025 by Erica Meltzer, Chalkbeat

Students who took the NAEP were in eighth grade in March of 2020 and experienced a highly disrupted freshman year because of the pandemic.

Students from the class of 2024 had historically low scores on a major national test administered just months before they graduated.

Literacy

Strengthening family engagement to support the science of reading

September 18, 2025 by ESchool Media Contributors

While most teachers are eager to implement the science of reading, many lack the time and tools to connect these practices to home-based support, according to a new…

Literacy

4 tips to help older K-12 readers

September 17, 2025 by Miah Daughtery, EdD, NWEA

Teachers are noticing that older readers need ongoing support to read materials used in their classrooms. In a study commissioned by the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund…

Literacy

Nine in 10 educators back evidence-based reading, but training and implementation lag

August 12, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

A new whitepaper around the science of reading IDs gaps in preparation, uneven curriculum adoption, and high demand for professional learning

While most New York educators enthusiastically support the science of reading, few report using it as their primary approach to literacy instruction, according to a new statewide survey conducted by…

Literacy

Emergent writing: 3 ways to plant seeds for lifelong literacy

August 4, 2025 by Dr. Christina Bretz, Learning Without Tears

Emergent writing is a critical milestone in early childhood literacy, when children first connect symbols with meaning.

Just as a gardener plants seeds and nurtures them into strong, flourishing plants, early childhood educators have the opportunity to nurture the earliest seeds of literacy in young…

How Clearfield Elementary Connected Reading, Attendance, and Joy

September 18, 2025July 31, 2025 by Jeff Festa

At Clearfield Elementary, increasing reading engagement wasn’t just about books—it was about improving student attendance and creating a culture that ... Read more

Literacy

How we’re rebuilding literacy–and confidence–in our high school

July 28, 2025July 28, 2025 by Cindy Walker, Birmingham Community Charter High School

What began as a literacy strategy to help students access grade-level texts turned into a catalyst for broader reading transformation.

By the time students reach high school, reading struggles are harder to hide--and harder to address. Unlike early grades where texts are simpler and foundational skills are the…

Live @ ISTE 2025

ISTE Takeaways—What It Takes To Win the Impact Award

July 8, 2025July 3, 2025 by Kevin Hogan

Jean-Claude, one of the recipients of the prestigious 2025 Impact award, highlighted three key ISTE takeaways: co-design in educational technology, ... Read more

Live @ ISTE 2025

Showfloor News: DreamBox Reading by Discovery Education enhanced to support PreK-5 literacy for back-to-school 2025

July 7, 2025July 2, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Discovery Education, the creators of essential PreK-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world, today announced significant enhancements to ... Read more

Students Using Lexia Core5 Reading Outperformed Their Peers On the Smarter Balanced English Language Arts/Literacy Assessment

June 25, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

BOSTON – In California, third- to fifth-grade students at 525 schools using Lexia Core5 Reading (Core5) from Lexia, a ... Read more

Newsline

Ignite Reading Again Approved as 1:1 High-Dosage Early Literacy Tutoring Provider in Massachusetts

September 4, 2025June 13, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

BOSTON — Ignite Reading — a Science of Reading-based virtual tutoring program serving students in 18 states nationwide — today ... Read more

Profiles in Innovation

Wearable tech helps students overcome central vision challenges

June 15, 2025June 13, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Smart devices help students combat central vision loss, improving their reading and writing performance in the classroom.

Central vision loss--a condition that impairs the ability to see objects directly in front of the eyes--can have profound academic and social impacts on K-12 students.

Literacy

Solving our literacy crisis starts in the lecture hall

May 30, 2025 by Lacey Robinson, UnboundEd & CORE Learning

When it comes to teaching literacy, it’s not enough to just teach teachers about reading theory; they need to know how to teach it, too.

The recent NAEP scores have confirmed a sobering truth: Our schools remain in the grips of a literacy crisis. Across the country, too many children are struggling to…

Digital Reading Among Students Hits Another Milestone

May 29, 2025 by Kevin Hogan

Sora recently announced the release of its second annual digital reading report for the 2023-2024 year, “The State of K-12 Digital Reading.” The report reveals ... Read more

Literacy

Why graphic novels belong in every classroom

May 29, 2025 by Gabe Valentin, Dizzy Doom Kids

Walk into any classroom today and you’ll hear a familiar refrain from teachers: “How do we get kids excited about reading again?” Screens, social media, and short attention…

Literacy

Supporting delayed readers: Strategies for success

May 26, 2025 by Dr. Gregory Stephens, Rust College and Mississippi State University

Supporting delayed readers requires individualized strategies, early literacy support, and application of evidence-based reading instruction.

Supporting delayed readers requires a thoughtful and research-informed approach. These students can make meaningful gains when provided with targeted reading intervention strategies tailored to their needs.

Teach Contracts a Lesson With Education Contract Management Software

July 22, 2025May 22, 2025 by Jeff Festa

The education sector involves strict parameters around contracts and even stricter budgets. To solve these challenges and many others, ... Read more

Books Are Fun and Ignite Reading Deliver Hundreds of Books to Oakland Students at Highland Community School

May 20, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

OAKLAND, CA – On Tuesday, Highland Community School experienced the magic of reading, thanks to Books Are Fun and their ... Read more

Literacy

One-Two-Three-Read!: A motivational reading program that works

May 20, 2025 by Dr. Gregory Stephens, Rust College and Mississippi State University

An educator-created reading program inspired genuine excitement, reinforced reading habits, and brought classrooms together.

How can educators transform reading into something students want to do rather than have to do? That’s the question we set out to answer when we created One-Two-Three-Read!.

Game-Based Learning

Video game design boosts students’ literacy skills

May 14, 2025 by Ava Wiseley and Dennis Pierce

Teachers generally frown upon students who play video games in class, but a public school in the Bronx has found a way to use video game design as…

Literacy

Lights, camera, literacy: Student-created book reviews inspire a global reading culture

May 12, 2025 by Nesren El-Baz, ESL Educator

Video book reviews give students the opportunity to express themselves in meaningful ways--and increase engagement in reading.

When students become literacy influencers, reading transforms from a classroom task into a global conversation. Recent studies show that reading for pleasure among teens is at an all-time…

Newsline

Ignite Reading Partners with UF Lastinger Center’s Florida Tutoring Advantage

May 7, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

PORT RICHEY, FL – Ignite Reading, a one-to-one, Science of Reading-based virtual tutoring program in 18 states nationwide, today announced ... Read more

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