The core of successful reading programs: a strong school library

Sent to the Providence Journal, Nov, 4, 2017

I was very happy to be quoted by Rhode Island Teacher of the Year Tracy Lafreniere as saying that more reading is the way to become a good reader, but I need to comment on the goal of having 75% of third graders reading at a certain level: There is nothing magic about grade 3 (“Boosting reading proficiency is aim of RI education forum,” Nov. 2).

Reading proficiency at grade 3 does indeed predict reading proficiency later on, but reading at any grade is related to reading achievement at any other grade. The good news is that research confirms that readers can improve dramatically in reading at any age, including adulthood, if they have access to interesting and comprehensible reading material. The core of any successful reading program is a strong school library staffed with a credentialed librarian, which ensures access to the right reading material for all students. 

Stephen Krashen

Professor Emeritus

University of Southern California

Original article: http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20171102/boosting-reading-proficiency-is-aim-of-ri-education-forum

some sources: 

Krashen, S. and McQuillan, J. 2007. Late intervention. Educational Leadership 65 (2): 68-73.

Krashen, S. 2011. Need Children Read "Proficiently" by Grade 3? Some Possible Misinterpretations of the "Double Jeopardy" Study.  Language Magazine 11,2: 24-27.