Readable Blog

Indianapolis (Oct. 9, 2024)—Readable English has partnered with 27 schools across Indiana to pilot a program aimed at improving Lexile® measures. Within a few months, students participating in the program increased their reading performance by nearly 10x from their baseline ILEARN scores.

In a recent article from Education Week, educators express growing concerns about older students still struggling with basic reading skills. These challenges can create bottlenecks in their overall academic progress and future opportunities. The reality is stark: older students, when behind in reading, often require intense interventions, which can drain valuable time from teachers and students alike. However, solutions like Readable English are helping to shift this narrative, offering more than just a quick fix — ultimately they are gifting time, agency, and hope to both students and educators.

Reading intervention for older students has long been one of the most challenging aspects of education. As highlighted in a recent article by The New York Times (www.nytimes.com/2024/08/29/nyregion/older-students-reading-instruction), older students often struggle with reading because traditional approaches to literacy instruction are primarily designed for younger children. This disconnect creates a significant barrier to effective intervention for students who fall behind in their reading skills during middle or high school.

In education, ensuring that every child can read proficiently is a cornerstone of academic success. However, many students face significant challenges due to language barriers, learning disabilities  like dyslexia, or other obstacles. The experiences shared by New Albany Schools in Mississippi from working with third-grade students highlights the transformative impact of Readable English, a tool that can significantly aid those struggling to read. The following insights are gleaned from the work of Gywn Russell (Former Principal and now Director of Curriculum), and Beth Matlock (Principal and Dyslexia Specialist) at New Albany Schools.

In the journey of education, the ability to read is often heralded as the gateway to knowledge, empowerment, and success. Yet, for many children, this seemingly straightforward task can present formidable challenges. As educators and parents, understanding the intricate connection between cognitive load theory and a child's ability to read is crucial in ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or cognitive capacity, has the opportunity to unlock the world through literacy.