u003cpu003eu003cemu003eWe know the importance of reading and the impact literacy has on a child’s life trajectory, so what do we do about the fact that a majority of states are using weak teacher reading licensing tests?u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003c/emu003eu003cspan style=u0022color: #000000; font-family: ‘Playfair Display’, serif; background-color: transparent; letter-spacing: 0.2px;u0022u003eEquipping Teachers to Empower Literate Studentsu003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e u003cpu003eAccording to u003ca href=u0022https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/most-licensure-tests-are-weak-measures-of-teachers-science-of-reading-knowledge/2023/11u0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003ea study by the National Council on Teacher Qualityu003c/au003e, states overwhelmingly demonstrate a reliance on weak elementary teacher reading licensure tests. This flaw in the educational system places thousands of students at a significant disadvantage, being taught by educators potentially failing to provide adequate instruction for mastering a crucial skill: reading. This concerning reality disproportionately impacts historically marginalized students, some of whom may not have access to external support or tutoring for reading.u003c/pu003e u003cpu003eAmong black and Latino students as well as those in poverty, over half fail to meet reading standards. Literacy is a key to freedom; it empowers our students and opens doors to a myriad of opportunities. It boosts the students’ creativity, primes them to be more adept problem solvers, and leads to self-determination.u003c/pu003e u003cpu003eKnowing all this, we face the challenge of revamping the teacher preparation system. We need a revolution in literacy, one that will raise the bar of reading instruction and ensure every child, regardless of their socioeconomic background or race, has access to quality education. It is critical to address these gaps and empower teachers with robust training and appropriate licensure tests. This is not just about equipping teachers; it is fundamentally about equipping the next generation to be successful and free.u003c/pu003e u003cpu003eu0026nbsp;u003c/pu003e
Are Teachers Equipped to Teach Our Kids to Read?
