Golden State Today

Teacher Tapp has identified a lack of support from home as the primary barrier to improving literacy standards in U.S. schools, according to a blog post published on April 4. The announcement highlights challenges faced across all grade levels.

According to the survey conducted by Teacher Tapp, 68% of elementary and middle school teachers cited insufficient home support as the main obstacle to enhancing literacy standards. In high schools, 56% of teachers expressed similar concerns, indicating that this issue is prevalent across various educational stages. These findings emphasize the significant role parental involvement plays in students' literacy development and the difficulties educators encounter when such support is absent.

A study by Pew Research Center revealed a decline in recreational reading among adolescents. Only 14% of 13-year-olds reported reading for fun almost every day, down from 27% in 2012. Additionally, 31% said they never or hardly ever read for fun, an increase from 22% in 2012. This trend presents a growing challenge in promoting literacy engagement among young people.

Research published in Early Childhood Research Quarterly suggests that parental involvement is crucial for children's reading development. The study found that children from low-income families demonstrated higher reading skills in first grade when their parents were actively engaged in their education. This indicates that parental participation can help mitigate some negative effects of socioeconomic disadvantages on literacy outcomes.

Cal Matters reports that fewer than half of California students meet English language standards, with only 58% of fourth graders able to read at a basic level according to national assessments. The widespread use of ineffective reading instruction methods, such as "whole language," has contributed to poor literacy rates, particularly among underserved students. Lack of early reading proficiency increases the likelihood of high school dropout fourfold, leading to long-term consequences like lower earnings, higher unemployment, and increased risk of incarceration.

RivalSense describes Teacher Tapp as an education research platform that gathers daily insights from teachers to inform policy and practice related to classroom realities. By posing three multiple-choice questions each day, the platform collects data on various teaching and learning aspects, providing valuable information for stakeholders in the education sector.