Recent data shows that only about one-third of U.S. elementary school students are reading at grade level. In response, many schools are adopting new methods for teaching reading, specifically emphasizing the Science of Reading approach. This method focuses on phonics, or the connection between letters and their sounds, which has become a cornerstone of reading instruction. Despite the shift, results have shown only modest improvements, with research indicating that two years of the new approach equates to roughly an extra quarter-year of learning. Implementing these changes has been challenging, and educators are still working to find the right balance, ensuring that phonics instruction is not overly reductive and that other aspects of reading are also addressed.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/schools-science-of-reading-teaching-method-new-york-city
