The Crisis in Children’s Reading: How We Can Reverse the Decline
By Michelle Torgerson, CEO of Raising a Reader
The latest national assessment of educational progress results reveal a sobering reality: American children’s reading skills have reached new lows with little sign of post pandemic recovery.
As reported in The New York Times, 40% of 4th graders and 33% of 8th graders now perform at a below basic level in reading and dash the highest percentages in decades. The implications of this literacy crisis are profound impacting students academic success future job prospects and overall well-being
At Raising a Reader, we see this as a call to action for over 25 years we have worked to support families educators and those serving young children in fostering early literacy skills helping children build the foundation they need to become strong readers while experts continue to debate the cause behind declining reading scores—screen time absenteeism and instructional methods—one thing remains clear: literacy begins at home and engaging families in shared reading is one of the most powerful interventions we have
The latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results reveal a sobering reality: American children’s reading skills have reached new lows, with little sign of post-pandemic recovery.
40% of fourth graders and 33% of eighth graders now perform at a “below basic” level in reading—the highest percentages in decades. The implications of this literacy crisis are profound, impacting students’ academic success, future job prospects, and overall well-being.
The Power of Early Reading Routines
Research tells us that early consistent exposure to books and reading can significantly improve literacy outcomes yet for many families access to high quality books and support for at home reading routines remains a challenge raising a reader bridges this gap by partnering with early childhood programs, schools, libraries, and community organizations to provide families with award-winning diverse and developmentally appropriate books along with guidance on interactive reading practices.
A Family Engagement Approach to Literacy
At Raising a Reader we believe that building strong literacy skills requires more than classroom instructional alone. Our programs support families by:
- Providing Access to Books: Our Classic Red Book Bag Program circulates high-quality, diverse books into homes, ensuring that children have opportunities to build reading routines.
- Encouraging Shared Reading Habits: We equip families and caregivers with simple, research-backed strategies to make reading interactive, fun, and a consistent part of daily life, just like brushing teeth.
- Building Partnerships: We collaborate with educators, pediatricians, and community organizations to reinforce the message that reading together is fundamental to a child’s development.
What We Must Do Next
The national decline in reading scores is alarming but reversible. We must act now to ensure every child gains the literacy skills they need to succeed. This means prioritizing family engagement, expanding access to diverse books at home, and promoting daily reading routines. Families are key partners in early literacy, and we must invest in programs that support them.
The NAEP results are a wake-up call and an opportunity to strengthen what works. Raising a Reader is committed to equipping children with the tools to thrive in school, work, and life. We invite families, educators, and partners to join us—because when we read together, we grow together.
Get Involved
To learn more about Raising a Reader’s programs and how you can support early literacy in your community, visit www.raisingareader.org.