Reading

Ensuring reading success for all students must be a national priority. The Learning First Alliance calls on educators and policymakers to adopt policies and practices that help all American children learn to read well. Alliance leaders urge support of practices consistent with the research on effective reading instruction, including:

• Explicit, systematic instruction in phonemic awareness and phonics coupled with early and continued exposure to rich literature and writing opportunities
• Improving reading pre-service education and professional development
• Improving the early identification of reading difficulties in children
• Providing adequate intervention to assist children with reading difficulties, such as additional staff for tutoring and smaller class size
• Adopting texts and programs based on evidence of what works
• Involving parents in support of their children’s reading

Using what we know about teaching reading, this nation can ensure reading success for all children – if we have the will to do so.

Alliance Publications on Reading

The Alliance reading publications provide common sense analysis of the research on reading instruction. The publications seek to assist teachers and administrators in planning and delivering more effective training and instruction in reading.

Reading Success Stories: Public School Insights (2008)

This new Learning First Alliance website offers accounts of what is working in public schools and districts across the country. Click here for stories about schools and districts that are boosting their students' reading achievement.