Children learn to read with books that are just right for them – but that might not be the best approach

By: Timothy E Shanahan, University of Illinois Chicago

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 28, 2025

Words: 1,178

Last Updated: 4 weeks ago

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By Timothy E Shanahan, University of Illinois Chicago

After decades of stagnating reading performance, American literacy levels have begun to drop, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a program of the Department of Education.

The average reading scores of 12th graders in 2024 were 3 points lower than they were in 2019. More kids are failing to even reach basic levels of reading that would allow them to successfully do their schoolwork, according …

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