OPINION | LINETTA JACKSON: Reverse the crisis

Reading is the foundation of education, shaping how children learn, communicate and succeed academically and beyond. However, across the country, reading proficiency is in decline, and Arkansas is no exception.

In 2023, only 14 percent of 13-year-olds reported reading for fun nearly every day. Meanwhile, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 2024 Report Card released in January, 40 percent of Arkansas fourth-graders are reading below basic proficiency levels.

Children who struggle to read by fourth grade are more likely to fall behind in all subjects, disengage from learning and ultimately be at risk of not graduating high school.

At Arkansas Virtual Academy (ARVA), we are committed to reversing this trend by providing students with evidence-based reading instruction rooted in the Science of Reading. This research-backed approach is transforming how Arkansas students learn to read–and with the right strategies, parents can play a pivotal role in this movement as well.

Arkansas has taken an important step forward by prioritizing the Science of Reading in schools across the state. Unlike outdated teaching methods that rely on memorization or guessing strategies, the Science of Reading focuses on how children’s brains actually learn to read.

The Science of Reading is built on five key components that schools can integrate into their curriculum:

Phonemic Awareness–Understanding and manipulating sounds in spoken words

Phonics–Recognizing letter-sound relationships to decode words

Fluency–Reading smoothly with accuracy and expression

Vocabulary–Learning new words and their meanings

Comprehension–Understanding and interpreting texts

Here are some simple ways to help your child build strong reading habits at home:

Balance Screen Time–In today’s digital world, students spend a significant part of their day on screens for learning and entertainment. While technology offers valuable educational opportunities, setting aside dedicated time for reading books can help strengthen literacy skills and foster a love for reading.

Start Early and Read Aloud–A study from Ohio State University found that children who are read to daily hear 290,000 more words by age 5 than those who aren’t. Reading aloud strengthens language pathways in the brain and builds vocabulary.

Make Reading Interactive–Turn books into hands-on experiences. After reading “Charlotte’s Web,” visit a farm. Pair “A Wrinkle in Time” with its movie adaptation. Activities like these bring stories to life and deepen engagement.

Let Kids Choose Their Books–While school reading lists are important, allowing kids to pick books based on their interests fosters a love for reading. Graphic novels, fantasy adventures and nonfiction topics can all be valuable choices.

Try Audiobooks–Audiobooks improve pronunciation, fluency and comprehension while making stories more engaging for reluctant readers.

Read Together–Shared reading strengthens comprehension, vocabulary and family bonds. Take turns reading, discuss the story and ask questions to build critical thinking skills.

Arkansas is making strides in literacy education, but work still needs to be done. By combining structured, research-based reading instruction with parental involvement, we can reverse the reading crisis and empower students to achieve their full potential.

Linetta Jackson is elementary assistant principal at Arkansas Virtual Academy. At home in Arkadelphia, she and her husband keep busy raising their three children–along with goats and rabbits.