Elementary grade students did not have a normal reading comprehension due to COVID-19, and now they have to work harder to make up for those losses.
The data also shows that racial disparities in literacy outcomes are more prominent than they were pre-pandemic, and that black and Hispanic K-2 students are not as strong to return as white students.
Even before the pandemic, Texas lagged most other US states for reading achievement, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
What factors influence children's success when learning to read? How did the pandemic increase literacy challenges, especially for at-risk students?
What do we know about children's early reading skills pre-pandemic compared to now?
What are the factors in the success of a child when he learns to read? Do inequalities exist when it comes to youth literacy?
What efforts are being made to improve reading and learning? How long will it take for students to see the benefits?
What else can be done to get kids back on track? How can parents help?
Guest:
- Deborah Valdez, Executive Director of San Antonio Youth Literacy
- Kymyona Burk, Senior Policy Fellow for Early Literacy at the Foundation for Excellence in Education (ExcelinEd)