Why Good Reading Instruction Matters More Than Ever

Across the United States, literacy challenges remain widespread. Evidence-based reading instruction in student-centered, inclusive classrooms is a critical strategy to strengthen literacy outcomes nationwide.

Dr. Anna Fricano DeJarnette

Director, School of Education, University of Cincinnati

Reading happens everywhere. Reading helps families build bonds, share culture, and develop lifelong skills. Literacy — the ability to read and write — is essential for education, employment, and civic participation.

Yet, learning to read is complex, and many students in the United States need careful instruction to build this skill. The 2024 National Assessment for Educational Progress showed continued declines in reading scores. Beyond limiting individual opportunity, low literacy carries a national cost — estimated at up to $2.2 trillion annually. Structured instruction that develops sound awareness, letter-sound connections, vocabulary, and comprehension can help many struggling readers.

The science of reading refers to decades of interdisciplinary research on how children learn to read and write, drawing from fields such as education, psychology, and neuroscience. This research informs effective literacy instruction, emphasizing phonics, phonological awareness, vocabulary, fluency, oral language, and comprehension.

Across the country, states are investing in the science of reading. States including New York, Mississippi, California, and Ohio have committed funding to support training, literacy coaches, and instructional resources. The most effective initiatives focus on sustained professional development and collaboration, ensuring teachers and teacher educators are equipped to support the diverse learning needs of PreK-12 learners.

Ohio has emerged as a leader in translating the science of reading into classroom practice. In 2023, Governor Mike DeWine launched the ReadOhio Initiative, expanding existing efforts to ensure all students receive instruction aligned with the science of reading. The initiative included major state investment to train PreK-12 teachers and teacher educators.

Effective literacy preparation is a collaborative effort. Many students benefit from structured, explicit instruction that develops phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The science of reading is not a single program, but a body of research that informs teaching approaches addressing these interconnected skills. These strategies are most effective in student-centered, responsive, and inclusive classrooms.

In 2025, the Ohio Department of Higher Education asked the Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk to audit educator preparation programs for alignment with the science of reading. The University of Cincinnati’s programs met all 73 metrics included in the audit, reflecting faculty expertise, strong collaboration, and a commitment to preparing educators to support all learners.

Educators at every level share responsibility for ongoing learning and professional development. Since Ohio reaffirmed its commitment to the science of reading, our faculty have participated in professional development including training, book studies, consultations, and collaborative course design.

Teachers and literacy specialists also need access to programs that support student-centered, inclusive instruction aligned with research-based practices. The University of Cincinnati’s Online PreK-12 Reading Instruction Endorsement offers a flexible, fully online, 12-credit program focused on evidence-based literacy strategies and practical application. In Ohio, the program is approved for the reading specialist endorsement.

The next five years will be critical to maximizing the impact of investment in literacy outcomes. Schools need educators with expertise in reading instruction. Programs like the UC Online PreK-12 Reading Instruction Endorsement program prepare educators to translate research into meaningful practice.

By empowering educators to make instructional decisions that meet the needs of all students, UC’s Online PreK-12 Reading Instruction Endorsement program is contributing to building a nation of confident readers.

To learn more, visit bit.ly/uconline-prek12-reading-endorsement

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