Teacher Training Gaps at the Heart of U.S. Reading Crisis
The latest data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) has once again brought attention to a growing reading proficiency crisis in the United States. The findings reveal that many students are failing to acquire basic reading skills, and that teachers are struggling to deliver effective reading instruction. Experts point to shortcomings in teacher training programmes as a key factor behind the problem.
According to a 2023 report by the National Council on Teacher Quality, only 28 percent of teacher education programmes adequately cover the five core components of reading instruction. Many programmes reportedly continue to rely on outdated and unscientific methods such as “three cueing” and “guided reading”.
As a result, teachers often enter the classroom ill-prepared to teach essential skills such as phonics, decoding, and reading fluency. Experts emphasise that a structured literacy approach – systematic and evidence-based – offers a more effective path to improving students’ reading outcomes.
They also stress that teacher development should not end with university training. Without ongoing support through online courses, workshops, and hands-on instruction, it becomes increasingly difficult for teachers to meet the evolving needs of their students.
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