San Antonio Light in San Antonio, Texas

Reading experts counter claims that Johnny can’t read

Reading abilities of school children are reportedly stronger than feared. San Antonio teachers heard Dr. Ralph Staiger and colleagues say a national assessment shows 10 to 15 percent are above average readers and 1 to 15 percent have problems. In specific areas, 30 to 40 percent struggle in phonics. Bilingual students may face early-year challenges as English is not spoken at home.(Coauthors Cohen and Durr spoke on reading programs and methods.)