I want to talk about something that impacts millions of children across the United States; reading and spelling standards in elementary schools. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or, like me, someone who cares about the future of education, this is a topic worth paying attention to.
The Current State
If we explore the data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) we can see that only 33% of fourth-graders are reading at or above the proficient level. That means nearly two-thirds of students in elementary schools are struggling with basic, foundational literacy skills (National Center for Education Statistics, 2022). What I find concerning is that reading scores in the U.S, have actually declined since 2019, we can recognize that that is largely due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in classrooms. Nevertheless, we need to acknowledge that the problem existed long before then.
Spelling, an essential aspect of literacy, is under scrutiny. While Common Core State Standards (CCSS) emphasize spelling skills as part of writing development, there are many working within education that feel that explicit spelling instruction has taken a backseat in favor of digital spell-check tools and a greater focus on reading comprehension. Yet, as I look at the research, I can see that strong spelling skills contribute to better reading fluency and overall literacy development within the classroom (Gentry & Ouellette, 2019).
This Matters
As an educator, I understand that literacy is more than just an academic subject, it’s a skill that is absolutely crucial in all aspects of life. During my teaching years I witnessed it myself, children who struggled with reading would fall behind in History, Science and other subjects, they’d be more prone to experiencing bouts of low confidence and depression, and even face long-term challenges beyond the classroom. A truly worrying statistic is that 7000 – 8,000 students (that’s one student every 26 seconds) drop out of high school daily in the U.S., many due to their academic struggles. With high school dropouts earning significantly less over their lifetime compared to peers who pursue higher education (Reading Is Fundamental, 2021), it is imperative that those working in education do all they can to help build strong literacy skills in all pupils.
A great literacy foundation in elementary school is key to reversing this trend. Reading comprehension, vocabulary building, and spelling proficiency all play a role in setting up pupils for success, both academically and in the job market.
Addressing the Challenge
Let’s talk about the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). These standards, adopted by most U.S. states, have ensured consistency in education by focusing on skills that help students underpin their literacy proficiency, read more critically and engage more with all areas of their education. Unlike older models that emphasized rote memorization, the CCSS approach integrates phonics, comprehension, and writing to develop well-rounded readers (McGraw-Hill Education, 2012).
There are some educators who argue that while the CCSS has strengths, it does not provide enough emphasis on phonics and spelling instruction. The “Science of Reading” movement, which promotes phonics-based learning, has gained traction in recent years, with states like Mississippi, Colorado, and North Carolina implementing policies that require schools to use phonics-based literacy programs. Mississippi, in particular, has seen significant gains in reading scores, with fourth-grade proficiency rates jumping impressively from 22% in 2013 to 32% in 2019 (The Hechinger Report, 2022).
Schools Making a Difference
Despite the challenges, there are inspiring success stories. Some schools across the country are using innovative strategies to improve literacy rates.
In Compton, California, targeted interventions like in-class tutors, “data chats” to track student progress, and structured phonics programs have led to notable academic gains, particularly among low-income students (Associated Press, 2025). Compton Unified’s English Language Arts scores rose by 2.5 percentage points over the last year, ranking the district first in performance among similar demographic and socio-economic profiles in California.
Similarly, in New York City, a pilot program incorporating AI-driven personalized learning has helped students boost reading comprehension by nearly 20% in just one year (EdTech Magazine, 2024).
What Can We Do?
Addressing reading and spelling challenges requires a team effort from all stakeholders. Educators, parents, policymakers, tech innovators, and intervention software designers (like myself) all have a role to play.
Digital intervention platforms can help identify and personalize learning for students who need that extra support.
As part of a team of former teachers and education professions at IDL, we aim to ensure our educational software is highly effective in supporting pupils’ literacy development by providing a structured, engaging, and personalized approach to learning. In fact, we have the data which shows how using IDL intervention tools have increased spelling and reading ages by an average of 11 months in just 26 hours of using the software, without the need for one-to-one help.
Our software incorporates all aspects of a balanced literacy programme and is structured, yet flexible enough to cater for individual differences. In addition to covering the reading process, from phonological awareness to fluency, the software includes components that improve spelling, handwriting, vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Importantly, IDL’s flexible product pricing makes it accessible for underfunded, community learning centres, enabling them to implement high-quality educational tools without the financial strain. By making these resources affordable and effective, we strive to empower community educators to provide sustainable, impactful learning experiences that support disadvantaged and potential of vulnerable children.
What’s Ahead
While the road to improving literacy in the U.S. is long, the dedication of educators, parents, and the pupils themselves gives me hope. By embracing effective teaching methods, supporting the use of intervention tools, and helping children stay engaged, we can guarantee that future generations exceed the literacy standards we have in place now.
Let’s pause and reflect. What literacy programs or strategies have you seen work? How can we better support students struggling with reading and spelling? Are you employing multi-sensory approaches to reinforce reading and writing skills through sight, sound, touch, and voice? Are the intervention tools you use meeting specific needs, boosting confidence, improving literacy outcomes, and, importantly for me, fostering a love of learning?
References:
National Center for Education Statistics. (2022). NAEP Reading: National Achievement-Level Results. https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/reading/nation/achievement/
Reading Is Fundamental. (2021). Literacy Facts & Stats. https://www.rif.org/sites/default/files/Literacy-Stats-16Aug2021.pdf
McGraw-Hill Education. (2012). Common Core Standards and Reading Programs at the Elementary School Level. https://www.mheducation.com/unitas/school/explore/literacy-for-life/white-paper-wonders-common-core-standards-reading-programs.pdf
The Hechinger Report. (2022). Mississippi’s reading success: How the state achieved gains in literacy.
Associated Press. (2025). Most US kids aren’t gaining fast enough in reading and math. These schools are different. https://apnews.com/article/f110ef05fb62f673530f44b120863bec
EdTech Magazine. (2024). AI in education: How tech is boosting literacy rates in NYC schools.