Closing Reading Gaps: A Path Forward for Grades 3-5 Educators

The Problem: Reading Proficiency in Decline

Across the United States, students in grades three to five face significant reading proficiency challenges. 

According to the 2024 Nation's Report Card, average reading scores for fourth graders declined by 2 points compared to 2022, continuing a downward trend that began before the pandemic. 

Further, the National Center for Education Statistics reports that average reading scores for 9-year-old students in 2022 dropped by 5 points compared to 2020, representing the largest decline in reading since 1990.

These statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and support strategies to help students regain and advance their reading skills.​

The Power of High-Quality Instructional Materials

High-quality instructional materials (HQIM) play a pivotal role in addressing educational challenges and improving student outcomes. Research indicates that HQIM can yield improvements in student learning outcomes equal to or greater than many interventions that are often more costly. For instance, a study found that four years of using a high-quality math curriculum led to a 23% increase in student achievement over students using a lower-quality curriculum, equating to about four extra years of learning. 

Moreover, HQIM provide educators with a common foundation to organize instruction, collaborate effectively, and ensure that all students have access to grade-level content. This shared approach fosters equity and consistency across classrooms, enabling teachers to focus on delivering engaging and effective instruction.

The Solution: Unlock Phonics for Grades 3–5

To address these challenges, EL Education has introduced Unlock Phonics, a structured phonics program designed specifically for students in grades 3–5 who are reading below grade level. Grounded in the Science of Reading and informed by Dr. Linnea Ehri’s Phases Theory, Unlock Phonics offers a research-based approach to literacy education.​

The key features of Unlock Phonics include:

• Structured, Research-Based Design: The curriculum aligns with College and Career Readiness Standards, ensuring students develop essential skills for academic success.​
  
  
• Culturally Responsive Content: Texts and teaching materials are designed to be inclusive and relevant, supporting diverse learners.​
  
  
• Comprehensive Assessment: Benchmark assessments and ongoing progress monitoring enable teachers to track student growth and tailor instruction to individual needs.​
  
  
• Digital Integration with Kiddom: The program is available through Kiddom’s digital learning environment, allowing for flexible grouping, interactive video instruction, and tools for students to record and review their reading, fostering self-assessment and growth.​

By implementing Unlock Phonics, educators can provide targeted support to help students in grades 3–5 improve their reading skills, bridging the gaps that have widened in recent years.​

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