Startling Literacy Statistics: A Wake-up Call to Change the Way We Approach Reading Struggles

The ability to read is foundational to success in school, career, and life. And yet, recent statistics reveal an alarming reality: literacy rates in the U.S. are shockingly low, and the problem is only getting worse. As parents and educators, we cannot afford to ignore these numbers. We must take action to ensure our children develop the skills they need to thrive.

The Stark Reality of Literacy Rates in America

Consider these sobering statistics:

• In 2024, only 31% of fourth graders and 30% of eighth graders were at or above proficiency in reading. That means nearly 70% of students are falling behind in a skill that is essential for lifelong success.
• In 2020, 28% of kindergarten students were identified as “at great risk for not learning to read.” By 2021, that number had skyrocketed to 47%—nearly half of all kindergarteners.
• 21% of US adults are functionally illiterate in 2024 (meaning they may have some basic reading abilities but are lacking in comprehension, fluency, and the ability to read in day-to-day life)
• 54% of US adults have a literacy level below a sixth-grade level, with 20% reading below a fifth-grade level.

These numbers paint a dire picture. Struggles with reading don’t just go away with time. In fact, when left unaddressed, they snowball into lifelong challenges that impact education, employment, and overall quality of life.

Listen for More: Response to the Nation’s Report Card on the Brainy Moms Podcast (2-part series)

Reading Challenges Don’t Fix Themselves

Many parents hope their child will eventually “catch up” with reading. However, research shows that children who struggle with reading in the early years rarely close the gap on their own. Without targeted intervention, these struggles persist into adulthood, limiting opportunities and self-confidence.

So, what can we do?

The Key to Strong Reading Skills: Cognitive Development

Reading is more than just recognizing words on a page. It requires a combination of cognitive skills, including:

• Processing speed (how quickly the brain interprets information)
• Memory (remembering letter sounds, words, and meanings)
• Attention (staying focused while reading and comprehending)
• Auditory and visual processing (understanding sounds, letters, and patterns, building mental images to enhance understanding)

If a child struggles with one or more of these skills, traditional reading instruction may not be enough. This is why so many children continue to struggle, even after tutoring or extra reading practice.

How LearningRx Can Help

At LearningRx, we take a brain-based approach to reading struggles. Our reading remediation programs are designed to strengthen the cognitive skills necessary for reading success. Through personalized, one-on-one brain training, we target the root causes of reading difficulties, helping students:

• Improve reading fluency and comprehension
• Develop confidence and a love for reading
• Strengthen the brain’s ability to learn, process, and retain information

In a research study with more than 3,500 struggling readers, participants in our reading remediation program gained an average of 4.1 YEARS across 5 reading skills—in only 24 weeks.* These kinds of gains can change a child’s learning trajectory and unlock the future that feels so out of reach right now.

Take Action Today

The literacy crisis in America is real, but it doesn’t have to define your child’s future. By addressing reading struggles at their core, we can help children build a strong foundation for success!

Let’s work together to give our kids the skills they need to thrive. Contact us today to schedule a Cognitive Skills Assessment and take the first step toward lasting reading success.

*Results from past clients. You or your child may or may not achieve the same outcomes.