New Reading Program Urged UI Study Shows 67 Percent Of 4th-Graders Fail Standard

Lawmakers and educators are calling for the state to revamp its reading program in reaction to a new study showing that two-thirds of Idaho’s fourth-graders cannot understand books at their grade level.

A survey of 1,000 Idaho fourth-graders last fall found that 67 percent could not read a passage aloud and answer questions about its contents.

The study by the University of Idaho also shows that kids know less than teachers think they do. Those who instruct the 1,000 students estimated the number reading below grade level at 39 percent.

“This is powerful data,” said Sen. Betsy Dunklin, D-Boise, who won legislative approval for a statewide reading committee last year.

The committee of lawmakers, educators and literacy advocates will present recommendations to the State Board of Education and the House and Senate education committees this week.

Proposals include spending $2 million immediately to make sure teachers are trained in diagnosing and correcting students’ reading problems, requiring elementary teachers to get a special certificate in reading before getting a teacher’s credential, and establishing daylong kindergartens on a volunteer basis in low-income schools to give disadvantaged children more help.

But as the committee prepares its report, one of its members is striking out on her own with legislation calling for mandatory phonics instruction for 45 minutes a day in grades K-3. Anne Fox, state superintendent of public instruction, presented the bill to the House Education Committee on Friday.

Many on the reading committee oppose the bill.

“It’s a small piece of the whole puzzle,” said Robert Barr, Boise State University dean of education. “I think research pretty well plays that out. The state superintendent sees it as the most important part of all.”

Lawmakers are withholding judgment on the reading committee’s report until it is formally presented, said Rep. Fred Tilman, House Education Committee chairman.

Education Board members say improving teachers’ reading techniques and depth of knowledge is important. But they have not weighed the cost.

“I’m not prepared to tell you improving the reading level by the third or fourth grade is justified at a given dollar but not at a larger amount,” said Curtis Eaton, a board member from Twin Falls.

The University of Idaho study was based on the Qualitative Reading Inventory, which is recognized nationally for its ability to demonstrate reading performance.

Research shows that children who cannot read at grade level by the third grade face a life of frustration, underemployment and even prison, said George Canney, the education professor who performed the study.

“They aren’t going to perform very well because they don’t have the literacy skills to do it,” Canney said.