(WBBM NEWSRADIO) --Faced with post-pandemic reading losses, the Illinois State Board of Education approved a new plan for teaching students how to read Wednesday.
Authors of the 194-page literacy plan said it should act as a roadmap for school districts to teach students based on evidence while giving them flexibility and resources.
The Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan identifies seven components of literacy neccesary for literacy instruction including oracy, phonological awareness, word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing.
"The Illinois State Board of Education acknowledges the critical importance of literacy, which is closely linked to various social and life outcomes," the authors wrote.
"Literacy skills are essential and highly correlated with many social and life outcomes" such as salary as adults, incarceration rates, dependence on government assistance, and health.
The board points to concerning trends such as that 7 in 10 3rd graders are not proficient in English language arts, according to state standardized tests last year.
That’s a six percent drop since before the pandemic. By July, the state board plans to have guidance for districts - in terms of both a rubric for them to evaluate current curriculum and a template for making a new plan.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok