1. The Scope of the reading problem in America
Reading difficulties are persistent
The danger in developmental delay is that you assume children will ‘catch up’.
Assuming that students will 'catch up' over time with practice as usual is risky business.
The evidence indicates this is a low probability occurrence.
Children do not ‘catch up,’ but fall further behind over time.

2. Performance of Comparison Groups End of Year Goals
Average reading growth
Steady growth, but
not closing the gap
Minimal growth and
falling further behind peers
Sept.
June