As the school year draws to a close and summer approaches, schools nationwide are worried about the coming year and the potential federal budget cuts resulting from the dissolution of the U.S. Department of Education.
The issue is made even more urgent in light of a National Assessment of Educational Progress study published in January that reveals the United States’ fourth and eighth graders’ reading competence is still dropping. Their proficiency decreased by two points from 2022 to the previous year. Actually, 19 states had reading scores in the fourth grade that were worse than the 214 national average. Eleven states’ eighth-grade scores were significantly below the 257 national average.
We do know from school data that reading levels frequently drop throughout the summer, a phenomenon known as the “summer slope” or “summer slide.” Third through fifth graders lose 20% of their school-year reading gains, according to data from the Northwest Evaluation Association.
Administrators and educators alike are severely impacted by this type of data. What else are we able to do?
The numerous factors that affect reading outcomes and the reasons they can be so erratic, especially for young readers whose core abilities have not yet developed, are often overlooked in the pursuit of answers.
Young people’s reading scores will frequently stagnate or even fall if they don’t read enough. In the United States, students typically spend 5.7 hours a day in class. Only a percentage of that time is spent reading. The reading proficiency of our country will not increase if young people simply read books in class.
It is more crucial than ever for our young people to read all summer long. Even on vacation, parents and other caregivers must set aside time for their children to read if they are not enrolled in summer school. This entails setting some restrictions on device use. Requiring reading can be helpful if the family is traveling.
After attending school all day, children should read for at least 20 minutes per day, according to the New England practice of Neuropsychology and Education Services for Children and Adolescents. In a single academic year, they will be exposed to 1.8 million words. Maintaining that practice over the summer can significantly improve pupils’ reading efficiency and help to mitigate some of the reading loss that occurs during that time.
It is advised that young people not only visit the library but also get a library card. According to the American Library Association, library cards help students succeed academically. Many libraries hold events and activities throughout the summer to engage young people and inspire them to read for the rest of their lives.
There is a lot of work to be done. We may begin by ensuring that our young people continue to read throughout the summer.
South Holland School District 151 employs Jerald McNair as a school administrator./Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service
