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Children’s Literacy in Crisis: What America Must Do to Turn the Page

Children’s literacy is facing an alarming decline across the United States. According to Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), 25 million children in the U.S. cannot read proficiently, a crisis that threatens the academic and economic future of our nation. The most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results reveal how widespread this issue has become. When comparing state reading scores for fourth-grade public school students in 2022 with those from 2019, 30 states scored lower, no states scored higher, and 22 states saw no significant change. You can explore the data for your state on RIF’s Literacy Facts Map. 

These troubling statistics mirror findings from The Atlantic’s recent article by Idrees Kahloon, “America Is Sliding Toward Illiteracy,” which paints a stark picture of what Kahloon calls “the lost decade in American education.” 

What Went Wrong: The Decline in Reading Achievement 

Kahloon’s analysis shows that reading scores in the U.S. have plummeted to levels not seen in decades. In 2024, 40 percent of fourth graders and 33 percent of eighth graders were reading “below basic,” meaning they struggled to summarize or follow the main idea of a text. 

The causes of this literacy decline are complex. While pandemic-related disruptions and increased screen time have played a role, Kahloon points to a more systemic problem, what he calls the “low-expectations theory.” Over time, schools have required less from students. Expectations for academic rigor have diminished, and in turn, children’s outcomes have followed suit. 

High school graduation rates and the number of students earning A grades have continued to rise, yet national literacy scores have fallen. Kahloon argues that the standards for learning have eroded, resulting in a generation of students who are being promoted through school without mastering the foundational reading skills they need to succeed. 

RIF’s ongoing mission to give every child access to books, resources, and support that fosters a lifelong love of reading helps set up kids for literacy success.  

Why Children’s Literacy Matters 

The foundation of every child’s learning journey is strong literacy skills. Without the ability to read proficiently, students struggle across all subjects, from science and math to social studies and beyond. 

RIF’s mission is rooted in reversing this trajectory. RIF works to provide books and literacy resources to children who need them most by focusing on choice, access, and engagement. Reading is not just an academic skill; it’s a gateway to opportunity, creativity, and connection. 

What You Can Do to Support Children’s Literacy 

Reversing this national crisis will take collective effort, but every person can help strengthen children’s literacy in their community. 

  • Get involved: You can volunteer, donate, or partner with RIF to bring books and reading programs to children nationwide. Visit RIF’s Get Involved page to learn more.
  • Read aloud: Parents, educators, and caregivers play a powerful role in shaping children’s reading habits. Reading aloud builds language skills, connection, and joy, yet fewer parents are doing it today. Learn why it matters in RIF’s blog, “Why I Read Aloud to My Children and Think You Should Too.”
  • Advocate for literacy: Be a literacy leader in your community by working with schools and youth-serving organizations to infuse literacy, book access, and read-alouds into all that they do. Get started with RIF resources today. 

A Call to Raise Expectations and Inspire Change 

The state of children’s literacy in America is not inevitable; it’s a challenge we can meet. As Kahloon notes, the path forward requires prioritizing literacy education, and empowering teachers and families with the tools they need to help children thrive. 

RIF remains committed to this mission and invites everyone to take part. Together, we can help ensure that every child in America learns to read, loves to read, and has the opportunity to reach their full potential.