New reading textbooks, same problem: Why children’s reading scores in the US aren’t rising

There are many literacy textbooks available but no clear way to determine which ones are the best – and most likely to turn kids into better readers.

By: Shawn Datchuk, University of Iowa, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 23, 2026

Words: 1,252

Last Updated: 3 months, 1 week ago

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By Shawn Datchuk, University of Iowa

Recently, I worked with a group of elementary teachers in Iowa to select new reading textbooks and software. They wanted new materials to improve their district’s stagnant reading scores.

After several days of reviewing materials from a state-approved list, one of the teachers asked me, “Will any of these help my students learn to read?”

I said, “I think so, but I don’t know.”

The teacher looked …

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