Literacy Variety Leads to Gaps in Learning A recent investigation revealed that Colorado’s 30 largest school districts and three charter networks use a variety of over three dozen core curriculums. This patch- work method can result in significant gaps in instructional quality, with neighboring schools and districts often using different teaching methods. Such groupings of vari- ety can disadvantage students, particularly those facing additional challenges like disa- bilities or poverty. Despite a landmark reading law put in place nearly eight years ago that allocated millions in funding annually to support struggling readers, students still are una- ble to read proficiently. While this law was intended to address the literacy gap, many schools continue to rely on methods that lack literacy research support. The persistent issues continue to highlight a more complex problem of relying on outdated instructional methods. Lifetime Literacy Issues Unfortunately, literacy challenges can last a lifetime. According to the Colorado Department of Education, over 300,000 adults in the state lack a high school cre- dential, with 41 percent of those lacking formal education beyond ninth grade. While
low literacy rates in grade school translate to poor test scores, their impact extends far into adulthood. In fact, low literacy is asso- ciated with adverse health outcomes and multigenerational poverty. In response to growing concerns from parents, educators, and lawmakers, Colorado is taking new steps to address these issues. Recent legislative efforts have focused on improving reading instruction by ensuring that schools use As new laws are introduced, Colorado is intensifying its hypervigilance of teacher preparation programs. New requirements mandate that teacher candidates demon- strate strong proficiency in reading instruc- tion, and current educators will need to prove that they’ve completed relevant train- ing in literacy instruction. While new meas- ures put in place are a promising step in the right direction, the implementation of these changes will depend on how committed the state is to new curricula. A Silver Lining While new laws pave the way for ground- breaking changes within the education sector, high-quality reading instruction cannot be overstated. Research consistently shows that proficient reading by the end of research-based methods. Is There an Antidote?
third grade is crucial for academic success. Some states, including Louisiana, are buck- ling down on the third grade, and recently passed a law which will retain third graders who cannot meet the academic standards in place for literacy. In fact, many states are beginning to hold high emphasis on systematic phonics. This approach involves directly and methodically teaching students the relationship between letters and sounds. Despite its proven effec- tiveness, some curriculums either skip or inadequately address phonics, leading to gaps in students’ reading skills. In order to move ahead efficiently, Colorado schools must work together to ensure that their stu- dents are learning under the same literacy instruction. As Colorado continues to struggle with its literacy challenges, the state’s recent efforts show a beaming silver lining. With the emphasis on evidence-based methods, and enhanced teacher preparation, Colorado aims to build a stronger foundation for litera- cy, and holds a bright future for its students.
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