D.C. Their chances for college and later success are dim. The figures are slimmer in later years. It's very urgent that we identify and correct reading problems at an early age. Also, starting this month, all new teachers must take courses in reading instruction in order to earn their credentials. Beyond those initiatives, though, finding remedial help for poor readers is a crapshoot for parents.
Some school districts shell out enormous resources on remedial reading, others far less.
Still, with two out of three third-graders reading below grade level, Los Angeles Unified administrators say they are committed to early intervention. The district this year launched a summer reading program of group and individual tutoring for third-graders. The program, widely used across this country and in Europe, has gained strong support. Some studies proved that within 16 weeks, Reading Recovery raises young students' skills to grade level and reduces rates of grade retention and special education referrals. Student Los Angeles Unified officials are evaluating the quality and cost-effectiveness of these two programs over the next several years by tracking students' performance on the Stanford 9 and in the classrooms.