22 May Nemours Children’s Health Reading Survey Underscores Urgent Need for Literacy Support

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Allison Gertel-Rosenberg

Allison Gertel-Rosenberg, M.S., VP
Chief Policy and Prevention Officer
Nemours Children’s Health

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: This national online survey was conducted by Nemours Children’s Health to better understand the challenges educators face in supporting early literacy development among young learners. Nemours Children’s gathered insights from more than 300 certified K-3 teachers in the U.S.

The findings reveal an urgent need for stronger support for early literacy. The survey shows that K-3 teachers are acutely aware of the challenges related to child literacy and believe they need more effective resources and support to help struggling students meet grade-level literacy skills.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response:  The main findings of the survey include:

• 84% of respondents expressed concern about the reading skills of students entering their classrooms.
• Teachers reported only about half of incoming K–3 students come to school with grade-level reading skills.
• Only 26% of teachers say they are very satisfied with the literacy tools they have.
• More experienced teachers are the least satisfied with the literacy tools they have—19% of those with 10 or more years in the classroom expressed dissatisfaction, compared to 6% of newer teachers.
• 41% report that available literacy programs lack engaging content.
• Only 55% of teachers surveyed said they can offer small-group instruction.

MedicalResearch.com: Does the preschool background differ among children of varying reading skills?

Response: The survey did not examine the preschool background of students, but we do know that teachers in Title I schools are more likely to report a lower average proportion of students entering their classroom with appropriate reading skills. While Title I-funded schools are more likely to have small group interventions available for struggling readers, the content of current programs appears too difficult for their students’ skill levels.

MedicalResearch.com: How has the COVID epidemic affected reading skills?

Response: Nationwide reading scores are at historic lows: According to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 60% of fourth graders and 67% of eighth graders are reading at basic or better levels—the lowest in more than 30 years.

Though the decline in scores began before the COVID-19 pandemic, the pandemic negatively impacted learning and reading skills, with many students still trailing behind pre-pandemic reading levels. On average, students are about half a grade behind in reading. 

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Literacy is essential to lifelong health. About 90% of a child’s brain develops before age five, a crucial period when children begin building emergent literacy skills such as print awareness, language comprehension and early writing. Without these foundational skills, many children fall behind and never catch up. In fact, kids who are not reading at grade level by first grade have only a 10% chance of catching up by fourth grade, and nationwide reading scores are currently at historic lows.

Investing in early childhood education, particularly in literacy, is one of the most effective strategies to improve long-term health outcomes. These survey results show just how urgently educators need effective tools so that every child can build strong reading skills and a strong foundation for lifelong health.

Additionally, the report underscores that, while educators recognize the urgent need for stronger literacy support, lasting change will take commitment from school boards, policymakers, and communities, alongside active engagement from parents and caregivers. Investing in early literacy is not only an educational priority but also a long-term investment into the health and well-being of future generations.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures?

Response: Nemours Children’s Health is committed to advancing Whole Child Health—our vision to go beyond offering the best in medical care to help every child reach their full potential. This includes supporting preventive approaches to early literacy, mental health, housing, nutrition and other aspects of health. About 85% of factors that affect a child’s health take place in their home, school, and community, so we are partnering across sectors, especially with schools and early learning centers, to give every child a healthier future.

Recognizing that early literacy is a critical foundation for lifelong learning and health, and that children benefit most when both teachers are well-equipped and families are engaged, Nemours Children’s launched Nemours Children’s Reading BrightStart! 20 years ago to support young children at-risk for reading failure and promote reading success. Reading BrightStart! is just one example of Nemours Children’s work focused on early learning.

As part of Nemours Children’s commitment to creating the healthiest generations of children, we are continually seeking new and expanded partnerships with schools and early learning centers interested in Reading BrightStart! curricula and training, as well as with community organizations and families to promote the free resources available on Reading BrightStart!’s family literacy website.

Citation:

Nemours Children’s Reading BrightStart! Early Literacy Survey A National Survey by Nemours Children’s Health
https://www.nemours.org/content/dam/nemours/nemours-org/en/documents/NCRBS-harris-poll-executive-summary.pdf

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More information:

• Child Illiteracy in America: Statistics, Facts, and Resources. (2024)
  Access: https://online.regiscollege.edu[](https://online.regiscollege.edu/blog/child-illiteracy/

• Literacy Statistics 2024-2025. (2024).
  https://www.thenationalliteracyinstitute.com/2024-2025literacy-statistics

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Last Updated on May 22, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD