The article discusses the alarming decline in reading scores across the United States, particularly highlighting issues in New York City despite extensive efforts to reform literacy education. Almost 40% of fourth graders and a third of eighth graders are reading below basic levels, indicating a national literacy crisis that affects economic opportunity and educational equity. The author argues that effective reading is foundational for learning in all subjects and stresses the need for prompt, systemic changes in literacy instruction. With a call for high-quality literacy education from early childhood through adolescence, the piece emphasizes the importance of addressing the distinct challenges faced by underserved populations, particularly Black and Latino students. Furthermore, it suggests the need for better integration of technology use and engagement strategies to improve reading habits, concluding with a plea for urgent and comprehensive action to combat the literacy crisis.

The Trump administration sees an AI-driven federal workforce as more efficient. Instead, with chatbots unable to carry out critical tasks, it would be a diabolical mess