The ability to read and write is often taken for granted, but in Colorado, literacy challenges remain prevalent. According to a Colorado report, over 50,000 students in kindergarten through third grade were identified with significant reading deficiencies in 2021 and 2022, representing 21.3 percent of K-3 students statewide. Despite ongoing efforts and state laws designed to enhance literacy, the problem persists, casting a long shadow over Colorado’s educational landscape.

COVID-19 and the Literacy Epidemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on literacy development, particularly for students in the early grades. Data indicates that children who were three and four years old during the height of the pandemic experienced significant disruptions in early language development due to reduced access to early care, less interaction with peers, and limited exposure to enriching environments. As a result, second and third graders, who were particularly affected, have shown slower progress in literacy compared to younger students who were less impacted.

Dr. Alfred W. Tatum, a professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver’s School of Education, highlights the gravity of the situation: “Sadly, the number of Colorado students identified with significant reading difficulties is increasing.” This growing concern is compounded by evidence that many school districts are employing discredited or inconsistent methods to teach reading, contributing to persistently low proficiency rates.

Literacy Variety Leads to Gaps in Learning
A recent investigation revealed that Colorado’s 30 largest school districts and three charter networks use a variety of over three dozen core curriculums. This patchwork method can result in significant gaps in instructional quality, with neighboring schools and districts often using different teaching methods. Such groupings of variety can disadvantage students, particularly those facing additional challenges like disabilities or poverty. 

Despite a landmark reading law put in place nearly eight years ago that allocated millions in funding annually to support struggling readers, students still are unable to read proficiently. While this law was intended to address the literacy gap, many schools continue to rely on methods that lack literacy research support. The persistent issues continue to highlight a more complex problem of relying on outdated instructional methods. 

Lifetime Literacy Issues
Unfortunately, literacy challenges can last a lifetime. According to the Colorado Department of Education, over 300,000 adults in the state lack a high school credential, with 41 percent of those  lacking formal education beyond ninth grade. While low literacy rates in grade school translate to poor test scores, their impact extends far into adulthood. In fact, low literacy is associated with adverse health outcomes and multigenerational poverty. In response to growing concerns from parents, educators, and lawmakers, Colorado is taking new steps to address these issues. Recent legislative efforts have focused on improving reading instruction by ensuring that schools use research-based methods. 

Is There an Antidote?
As new laws are introduced, Colorado is intensifying its hypervigilance of teacher preparation programs. New requirements mandate that teacher candidates demonstrate strong proficiency in reading instruction, and current educators will need to prove that they’ve completed relevant training in literacy instruction. While new measures put in place are a promising step in the right direction, the implementation of these changes will depend on how committed the state is to new curricula. 

A Silver Lining
While new laws pave the way for groundbreaking changes within the education sector, high-quality reading instruction cannot be overstated. Research consistently shows that proficient reading by the end of third grade is crucial for academic success. Some states, including Louisiana, are buckling down on the third grade, and recently passed a law which will retain third graders who cannot meet the academic standards in place for literacy. 

In fact, many states are beginning to hold high emphasis on systematic phonics. This approach involves directly and methodically teaching students the relationship between letters and sounds. Despite its proven effectiveness, some curriculums either skip or inadequately address phonics, leading to gaps in students’ reading skills. In order to move ahead efficiently, Colorado schools must work together to ensure that their students are learning under the same literacy instruction.

As Colorado continues to struggle with its literacy challenges, the state’s recent efforts show a beaming silver lining. With the emphasis on evidence-based methods, and enhanced teacher preparation, Colorado aims to build a stronger foundation for literacy, and holds a bright future for its students.