Parents prioritize the science of reading in classrooms

Key points:

More than eight in 10 (86 percent) parents say it is very (55 percent) or somewhat (31 percent) important that their child's school implement the science of reading and structured literacy principles in its curriculum, according to a national survey of more than 1,000 U.S. parents of children ages 3 to 17.

Despite this enthusiasm, only 33 percent of parents say their child's school is doing so, according to the survey, which was commissioned by Lexiato Brand Cambium Learning Groupand driven by The Harris Poll.

“For the past 11 years, 38 states “Both Washington and Washington DC counties have enacted laws or policies related to evidence-based reading instruction. This change has raised awareness about the science of reading, which means more parents now want to see these best practices implemented in their child’s school,” said Lexia President Nick Gaehde. “Additionally, a growing number of parents would like to see increased investment in reading resources to help their children both in and out of the classroom.”

When asked to think specifically about their child’s current reading and language skills and what the school could improve, 50 percent of parents said their child’s school could improve by investing in technology resources specific to reading. Additionally, 54 percent of parents want to ensure their child’s literacy curriculum includes features that personalize it for each student, up from 43 percent last year.

Other findings from the June 2024 survey include parental awareness and support for artificial intelligence (ai).

• Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of parents are very (23 percent) or somewhat (49 percent) familiar with different types of ai, such as generative ai and machine learning.
• Most parents support their children's teachers using generative ai to develop classroom activities (65 percent) or create their lesson plans (60 percent).
• Additionally, 55 percent of parents support their children using generative ai to help them with homework.

“As schools implement new technologies and new resources based on the science of reading, it is important to inform and educate parents about them. This will allow them to see exactly how the district and school are supporting state reading initiatives, implementing evidence-based practices, and “Supporting their children’s individual success,” Gaehde said.

Other survey findings provide additional insight into where parents think their child's school is doing well and where it can improve.

• Just over half (51 percent) of parents say their child's school has done a good job supporting their child's academic needs, up from 46 percent in 2023.
• Only 42 percent of parents are very satisfied with the literacy program at their children's school, compared to 48 percent last year.
• Less than half think their child's school has been successful in engaging their child in classroom activities (46 percent) or ensuring their child performs at or above grade level (45 percent).
• About two in five parents (42 percent) are concerned about school staffing shortages for the 2024-25 school year, which is consistent with the 65 percent of parents who say they have seen or heard about teacher shortages at their child's school or district in the past 12 months.

The eSchool Media staff covers educational technology in all its aspects, from legislation and litigation to best practices, lessons learned, and new products. First published in March 1998 as a monthly print and digital newspaper, eSchool Media provides the news and information needed to help K-20 decision makers successfully use technology and innovation to transform schools and universities and achieve their educational goals.

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