With the release of the latest 2024 NAEP reading scores, there is understandable concern among educators, administrators, and parents. Many are searching for answers to the big questions: How did we get here? Are these low scores a result of the COVID-19 pandemic? What needs to change to see improvement? While discussions about the causes continue, our collective focus should be on the most pressing question: What do we need to do differently? Regardless of the contributing factors, our responsibility as educators is to implement solutions that drive meaningful progress in literacy instruction.

The good news is that we already have a well-established, research-backed path forward. Thanks to the science of reading–a growing body of evidence on how the brain learns to read–we know what works. Emerging and struggling readers make the greatest gains with explicit, systematic instruction that integrates connected decodable text aligned with a structured scope and sequence.

The Role of Structured Literacy

A structured literacy approach, such as the Orton-Gillingham method, provides a multimodal, systematic framework for teaching reading. By integrating explicit instruction with targeted reading intervention programs, educators can ensure that all students–especially those with dyslexia–develop the foundational skills necessary for reading success. Evidence-based reading programs rooted in structured literacy emphasize phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, all of which are critical components of effective literacy instruction.

Why Connected Text Matters

Connected text, often referred to as “decodable” text, is designed to reinforce the phonics patterns students have been explicitly taught, allowing them to apply their knowledge in contextual reading.  This approach ensures that readers build accuracy, fluency, and confidence, rather than relying on guesswork or inefficient strategies.  When instruction follows a clear scope and sequence, students receive the right level of support at the right time, strengthening both decoding and comprehension skills.

Implementing Effective Reading Instruction

For real progress to occur, schools must prioritize evidence-based literacy training for educators. Advanced literacy courses, Orton-Gillingham certification programs, and structured literacy foundations equip teachers with the tools needed to deliver individualized reading strategies that support all learners. Classroom materials should align with the structured literacy framework, ensuring that instruction is both systematic and in response to students’ needs. As Dr. Maryanne Wolf wisely states, “The best intervention for any student is a well-trained teacher.” Investing in educator training ensures that teachers gain the knowledge and strategies necessary to provide high quality literacy instruction to all students, especially those with dyslexia and struggling readers.

A Call to Action for Educators

The latest NAEP scores highlight the critical need to strengthen literacy instruction in our schools. Literacy is the foundation for all learning, impacting students’ ability to succeed across subjects and throughout their lives. Rather than searching for quick fixes, we must commit to comprehensive literacy programs that align with the science of reading and address all aspects of literacy: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing..

A strong literacy foundation begins with explicit, systematic instruction that provides students with the tools to decode words, understand meaning, and engage with diverse texts. Early literacy efforts should emphasize structured learning with connected text, allowing students to apply their skills in meaningful ways. As students progress, instruction must continue to evolve, fostering fluency, critical thinking, and the ability to analyze and communicate complex ideas through both written and spoken language.

By adopting a research-based, holistic approach to literacy instruction, we can ensure that all students develop the skills necessary to become confident, capable readers, writers, and thinkers, prepared for academic success and lifelong learning.

The time to act is now. The Slant System™ provides training, literacy coaching, and resources to support educators in delivering structured literacy instruction. Download the Slant System™ Teaching Sequence and explore our collection of connected text designed to reinforce explicit, effective reading instruction. Visit our website to access these essential materials and join a growing community dedicated to evidence-based reading instruction. Let’s ensure every student has the opportunity to become a confident, successful reader.