The state will require elementary teachers to be trained in the “science of reading.” Illinois should do the same.

Colorado lawmakers passed an act in 2012 to focus on early literacy development and the science of reading. Its fourth graders are now in the Top 5 states for reading proficiency. Illinois can benefit from adopting five of their tactics.

Chicago Public Schools third- through eighth-grade state test scores increased in 2024, with reading finally surpassing 2019 levels. But for Chicago’s 11th grade students, both reading and math remained below pre-pandemic levels.

New Illinois public school test data shows reading and math proficiency rates for third- through eighth-grade students increased since 2023. Not so for 11th graders, who performed worse in reading and math.

Mississippi state lawmakers enacted science-based literacy legislation in 2013, laying the groundwork for improved reading proficiency among early grades, and additional legislation in 2016 to solidify improvement in literacy trends.

Student literacy is in trouble nationally, which is why Illinois is one of 35 states where just 1 in 3 – or fewer – of its fourth graders met reading standards in 2022.

Third grade marks a critical reading milestone: if students struggle then, they will face greater problems during the rest of their educations. State data shows 7 of 10 Illinois third graders can’t read at grade level, meaning there’s trouble awaiting most Illinois students.

The achievement gaps between white and Hispanic students in Illinois’ public schools, and the need to fundamentally reform the education system.

by Michael Wille Yesterday, Gov. Scott Walker signed the “Read to Lead” legislation into law aimed at improving education for Wisconsin students. Starting in Kindergarten, children will now be tested on literacy to set a benchmark of their skills and better understand what interventions are required to ensure reading capabilities are strengthened by third grade. In addition...