How We Can Fix the Literacy Bridge

When it comes to reading, we can’t afford to let 70% of students fall behind—but that’s exactly what’s happening. In this video, Sarah and Alana lay out a powerful metaphor: a “literacy bridge” built from phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. When any part of that bridge is weak or missing, children struggle to cross to confident, independent reading.

Do you ever wonder:

• Why so many kids aren’t reading at grade level, even after years of school?

• When it’s time for parents to step in and ask harder questions?

• What schools should be doing—and what they often aren’t—to build a strong literacy foundation?

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They also challenge us to demand better: just as we expect bridges and roads to be safe and sound, we should expect the same from our literacy systems. Because our children’s futures depend on it.