There is a clear reading achievement gap for many learners. When looking at literacy outcomes, in the area of reading, more specifically there is a gap in literacy and post-school outcomes of Black adolescent females.

Reading Instruction Matters

Reading achievement difficulty usually happens in the area of word reading and pronouncing words quickly and accurately. Reading difficulties can happen in early elementary school when students are unsure of how to map letter sounds to letter combinations (e.g., c-a-t).

The Science of Reading

Over time, reading research has scientifically proven there is a process to learning how to read. When Black Adolescent females are out of the classroom due to higher rates of school suspensions, or alarmingly, being sent to juvenile detention centers, it impacts the amount of explicit reading instruction necessary for reading progress.

Data Check-Ups Help Support Outcomes

It is important for school organizations to review data not just for reading instruction but also for the school suspensions that are impacting Black Adolescent females in elementary through high school grade levels.

Data review and discussions about disciplinary practices, policies, and procedures will allow all students to thrive using equitable practices that lead to improved reading and post-school outcomes.