What Costs $1,000 Per Student and Might Help Children Learn to Read?

In an effort to address learning loss caused by the pandemic, educators and policymakers have been searching for effective and cost-effective solutions. A recent study conducted in California has shown positive results from a reading program that focused on training teachers in the principles of the science of reading. The program was implemented in approximately 70 low-performing schools and resulted in significant test-score gains for third graders in English and math. The program, which cost around $1,000 per student annually, involved retraining teachers, providing new classroom materials, and aligning instruction with cognitive research. The study compared schools that participated in the program to a similar set of schools that did not. While the results are promising, some experts caution that interventions aimed solely at young children may not have a lasting impact as students move into higher grades. The study’s findings are particularly important as they show positive outcomes for children from low-income families who were most affected by the pandemic and faced challenges in remote learning. The study also highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the program compared to other interventions such as reducing class sizes or implementing tutoring programs. Additionally, the study’s results may contribute to ongoing efforts to reform reading instruction in schools. Historically, cognitive research has emphasized the importance of foundational skills in reading, but evidence of their effectiveness in classrooms has been limited. The California study suggests that science-of-reading reforms can be successful without relying on grade-retention policies. Unlike some approaches that impose strict restrictions on curriculums and teaching methods, the California program focused on collaborative efforts between policymakers and school staff, allowing schools to chart their own path forward after being trained on reading research and data-driven improvement strategies. The program was initiated as part of a legal settlement between the state and a group of students and parents who sued the state for failing to provide adequate access to literacy in schools. While the gains reported by the study are considered modest by some experts, efforts are being made to expand the program and train staff in more schools. The ultimate goal is to avoid potential challenges in scaling up successful educational programs.