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Unraveling the Reading Journey of Our Young Generation

NAEP Tests: A Decade-long Perspective on Reading Proficiency

For decades, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) tests have offered a comprehensive view of how American kids' reading proficiency has evolved. Through the 2000s, scores showed an upward trend. However, around 2012, a dip began, which intensified with the pandemic. Despite the post-pandemic numbers not being too far from historical norms, it's clear that students have lost some ground. In 1971, the average NAEP score for 9-year-olds was 208 out of 500. By 2022, it was 215. While these scores aren't outstanding, it's important to note the stability within a context of potential setbacks, especially for low-income and underserved groups. Teachers now need to revisit and review previously taught standards to get students back on track.

The Plunge in Reading for Pleasure

The good news is somewhat tempered by the concerning decline in kids' reading for pleasure. Hints of a decrease emerged in the 1990s, but the slide became more significant in the 2010s. In 1984, 35 percent of 13-year-olds read for fun almost every day. By 2023, that figure dropped to 14 percent, and 31 percent never read for fun at all. Experts aren't sure exactly why this has happened, but it coincides with the widespread use of smartphones and potential funding cuts to libraries. Excessive focus on standardized testing may have also crowded out practices that foster a love of reading, like teachers reading aloud. Regardless, this decline is a problem that affects more than just children's authors. Reading for pleasure brings numerous benefits, from expanding vocabulary to gaining background knowledge. The skills used in reading for fun are essential for various aspects of life, including understanding political discourse.

The Impact of Reading Skills on Civic Engagement

The importance of reading skills for civic engagement has become a hot topic. Washington Post columnist Ishaan Tharoor has raised concerns about a "generation trending toward post-literacy" that gets information from short video clips. While the term "post-literacy" may be extreme, experts like Snow are worried that the decline in reading could make young people more susceptible to disinformation. There is evidence of this already. US eighth-graders' average score on the International Computer and Information Literacy Study assessment dropped 37 points between 2018 and 2023. American students performed worse than those in most European countries and regions. But experts suggest simple strategies can help. Reading should be seen as a tool for engaging in important activities and exploring social justice issues that kids are passionate about. Encouraging students to read what they like, in their preferred format, is also crucial.

Personal Reading and Insights

The accessories retailer Claire's is venturing into the fragrance market to appeal to "Gen Zalpha" customers with scents like pistachio and vanilla. Schools in California and across the country are gearing up to deal with the potential effects of the Trump administration on undocumented and LGBTQ students. Trump Health and Human Services pick Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is correct that chronic diseases are common in American children but wrong to blame vaccines and fluoridated water. My 2-year-old and I are enjoying Little Owl's Night, a unique board book that flips the bedtime story script.

Reader's Experience with Reading

Last week, we asked about kids' reading experiences. One reader, Kelly, shared that two of her four children have dyslexia, so they became a "read to yourself" family a bit later. But audiobooks allowed them to grow up loving reading from an early age. The kids' grandmother introduced her 3-year-old daughter to Peter Pan on audiobook, and she was hooked. Since then, they've checked out thousands of audiobooks from the Los Angeles Public Library for free.