September 2023

Decline in National Reading Scores

You play a vital role in nurturing your child’s early reading skills. Mastering these skills at the kindergarten and first-grade levels lays a strong foundation for their academic success. Recent findings from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) have shown a decline in reading scores among fourth and eighth-grade students compared to 2019. To ensure your child’s reading proficiency remains on track, it is essential for
parents to be actively involved and well-informed throughout their child’s journey.

In 2022, the average reading scores for fourth and eighth-grade students decreased by 3 points compared to 2019. These results indicate a concerning trend in reading proficiency. At the fourth grade level, the average reading score was lower than all previous assessment years since 2005 and showed no significant difference compared to 1992. Similarly, eighth-grade students experienced a decline in average reading scores compared to all
previous assessment years since 1998, with no significant difference compared to 1992.

Early reading skills are the building blocks of academic achievement. By mastering reading at an early age, children develop essential language skills, expand their vocabulary, improve comprehension, and cultivate a lifelong love for learning. Proficiency in reading not only impacts their academic
performance but also influences their overall cognitive and social development. Research consistently shows that parental involvement significantly contributes to a child’s reading success.

As we navigate the challenges presented by declining reading scores among fourth and eighth-grade students, parents of kindergarten and first-grade children have a unique opportunity to lay a strong foundation for their child’s reading skills. By actively engaging in their reading journey, parents can help their children become confident and proficient readers. Remember, your involvement and support are crucial in nurturing their love for
reading and setting them on a path to academic success.

“Urgent Wake-Up Call: Empowering Parents for Your Child’s Reading Success

The Power of Parental Involvement

Parents it’s time to have a serious conversation about the education of our youngest readers – those bright-eyed Kindergarteners and Enthusiastic First Graders. My message today isn’t just important; it’s urgent. I want to address the critical issue of early reading development because the stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction are severe.

Why is This Such an Important Issue?

Let’s start with a harsh reality check. Our education system is in trouble, and the evidence is undeniable. National reading scores reveal a shocking truth: that less than half of our young children are not proficient in reading by the time they reach third grade. To many children are being left behind unnecessarily. That’s a crisis we cannot afford to ignore. Don’t let your child fall into this category.

What is Your Role as a Parent in Your Child’s Reading Education?

There are three crucial people important for a successful reader. Dedicated teachers, motivated students, and you, the parent. The reality is you the parent hold the most influential position. Your involvement is essential.

How Can You Do This if You are Not a Teacher?

The good news: Your role is not to be the teacher! Your role is to monitor your child’s progress. At ReadingHelp911 we have put together a simple package of assessments and recommended leveled reading books that we call our toolkit. With this toolkit you can monitor your own child’s reading progress, so your child is not left behind. Over my 40-year career of teaching reading basic reading skills are the same no matter what reading program your child’s school system is using. Remember you are not the teacher and what I am offering is not a program to teach reading. It is simply a toolkit meant for parents to be informed about their child’s success in mastering these fundamental skills.

How Do I Assess My Child?

At Readinghelp911 we have a powerful assessment toolkit that shows you what reading skills should be mastered in Kindergarten and what skills should be mastered in First Grade. These skill sheets are designed for parents like you to provide a clear picture of your child’s reading progress. The toolkit includes a skill assessment sheet and a simple video explanation for each of the nine essential reading skills in kindergarten and the seven essential reading skills in first grade. This information will empower you to identify specific areas where your child may need extra support and have

more productive Parent / Teacher conferences.

Your Child’s Future Is at Stake

Parents, you face a critical choice. You can passively trust the existing system, one that has shown limited success in teaching basic literacy, or you can become empowered parents who refuse to let their child become a victim of this broken system. Take charge of your child’s reading development. Let’s face this literacy challenge head-on! Your child’s reading foundation begins in the classroom with the teacher, but you cannot let it stop there. Your involvement is crucial! Don’t wait until the end of the school year to find out your child has not met the benchmarks for Kindergarten or First Grade.

Don’t Wait! Act Now!

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