Studies demonstrate that students who aren’t reading proficiently by 3rd grade are: more likely to fall behind in class instruction and more likely to drop out of high school.

These statistics don’t only apply to low-income students. A recent study found that 55% of moderate to high-income students tested below proficient in reading at the start of 4th grade (Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Analysis of 2009 NAEP data).

Another study we reviewed showed that in a class of 20 students, few if any teacher were able to find 5 minutes of time during the day to devote to reading with each student (Adams, 2002).

In addition, it’s estimated that as many as 15% of American students are dyslexic (U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services), and roughly 3 million students ages 3-21 suffer from a learning disability that affects their reading comprehension (U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services).

Dyslexia, Disgraphia, Auditory processing disorder, ADHD, phonetic awareness, reading comprehension and fluency are all reading disorders that make learning to read and reading comprehension more difficult. Without intervention, students with these learning difficulties will fall behind in class instruction.

Having Reading Specialists on staff at Prairie allows us to provide necessary support for these students to get them reading at grade level. In addition, this resource also frees up the teacher’s time to teach.

Studies cited: Chapinhall ReportAnnie E. Casey Foundation Reading Study,