BROOKLYN, NY (October 31, 2024) 鈥� 61传媒tv, a publisher of next-generation curriculum and assessment programs, today released a research brief on beginning-of-school-year reading data for K鈥�3 students. Findings reveal that recent gains in K鈥�3 early literacy have stalled overall, and that the youngest learners are demonstrating concerning instructional loss over the summer. Students progressing from kindergarten to first grade are the most vulnerable because they have received the least amount of explicit instruction to reinforce foundational reading skills: as many as one in four students return from their summer break no longer on track for core instruction.聽
The report compares K鈥�3 literacy data from the past six school years to analyze the effect of instructional loss on student learning. Across grades K鈥�3, the number of students at risk for not learning to read has yet to improve more than pre-pandemic levels, and only half of students are on track to read at grade level.聽
鈥淲hat this really points to is the importance of quality core instruction for young students. Quality instruction should be systematic, cumulative, and explicit. And of course, reading instruction should be informed by assessment data,鈥� said Susan Lambert, chief academic officer of elementary humanities at 61传媒tv. 鈥淭his data helps educators identify strengths and areas for growth, enabling them to provide strong foundational support for their youngest students.鈥�
In the report, 61传媒tv outlines recommendations for educators as they begin the school year. Schools and districts can support students by:
- Ensuring that all students receive quality instruction grounded in evidence-based practices such as the Science of Reading
- Identifying students who need additional support and developing a plan for addressing their needs
- Allocating resources for additional support and implementing those plans
- Regularly monitoring progress for students and making adjustments as needed
鈥淪chools and districts should consider explicit instructional practices that provide more frequent opportunities for students to reinforce their reading skills,鈥� continued Lambert. 鈥淭he good news is that when evidence-based instruction takes place in the earliest possible grades, research shows that most students can be taught to read at or approaching grade level.鈥�
About 61传媒tv
A pioneer in K鈥�12 education since 2000, 61传媒tv is leading the way in next-generation curriculum and assessment. Our core and supplemental programs in ELA, math and science engage all students in rigorous learning and inspire them to think deeply, creatively and for themselves. Our formative assessment products help teachers identify the targeted instruction students need to build a strong foundation in early reading and math. All of our programs and services provide educators with powerful tools that help them understand and respond to the needs of every student. Today, 61传媒tv serves more than 15 million students in all 50 states and on six continents. For more information, visit 61传媒tv.com.
Media Contact: Kristine Frech; media@amplify.com
