Dylan Sharkey from the Illinois Policy Institute discusses alarming reading proficiency results among Illinois third graders, tracing the impact of COVID-era remote learning and chronic absenteeism. Only about half of students are reading at grade level, with some schools showing nearly universal non-proficiency. Sharkey emphasizes the need for early identification of reading deficiencies, parental involvement, and accountability for schools, highlighting the long-term consequences of moving students forward without addressing foundational learning gaps.

The Marc Cox Morning Show

Audacy

Illinois Third Graders and the Reading Crisis with Dylan Sharkey

DEC 12, 20258 MIN
The Marc Cox Morning Show

Illinois Third Graders and the Reading Crisis with Dylan Sharkey

DEC 12, 20258 MIN

Description

Dylan Sharkey from the Illinois Policy Institute discusses alarming reading proficiency results among Illinois third graders, tracing the impact of COVID-era remote learning and chronic absenteeism. Only about half of students are reading at grade level, with some schools showing nearly universal non-proficiency. Sharkey emphasizes the need for early identification of reading deficiencies, parental involvement, and accountability for schools, highlighting the long-term consequences of moving students forward without addressing foundational learning gaps.