Many of these teaching methods and approaches are ready right now for use in the classroom. In addition, the Panel provided extensive references that teachers can use to find appropriate and scientifically validated instructional methods. It also noted areas where more research is needed to determine objectively if teaching methods are effective. Parents have long been considered critical to the development of their children's reading skills. Parents who read with their children can help get them interested in reading at an early age and help model good reading habits.
Parents also have other important roles to play in supporting their children's reading development.
The Panel's report highlights which teaching strategies have been proven effective and those that may not be effective. Parents who become familiar with the Panel's findings can become advocates for quality reading instruction in their children's schools. In addition, those who become familiar with the Panel's findings can use this information to help them determine if their children are struggling and if they should be candidates for more individualized reading instruction. Parents can now rely on the Panel's findings as their source on reading instruction and use their understanding of the findings to identify other tools to help their children develop better reading skills. The Panel reviewed the effectiveness of teacher preparation in reading instruction.