At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, we are deeply committed to supporting children’s language and literacy development. That’s why we are proud to highlight an important Op-Ed published in the San Diego Union-Tribune, written by one of our Lead Speech Language Pathologists, Kelly Stuart. The article, titled “California is Failing Kids in Reading – There is a Better Way”, sheds light on the urgent need for change in how we approach reading instruction in California.
“Nationally, California ranks 33rd in fourth-grade reading proficiency. This is a tragedy — but it is solvable. One can look to Louisiana to see how it went from 50th in the nation in 2019 to 16th in fourth-grade reading scores in 2024 after implementing comprehensive literacy policies requiring evidence-based teacher training — and it spends far less per child on education than California.”
The California Reading Crisis
Far too many children are struggling with reading due to outdated and ineffective teaching methods. In the article, Kelly explains how research-backed, structured literacy programs can make a profound difference in helping children become confident and capable readers. She also emphasizes the importance of phonics-based instruction and early intervention.
At SmallTalk we see firsthand how literacy challenges impact a child’s confidence, academic success, and overall well-being. When children struggle to read, it affects every aspect of their education and daily life. The good news? There are proven methods that can help.
Oral language is very important for a child to be able to read and write, as language is the backbone for reading comprehension. At SmallTalk, our speech-language pathologists are trained in phonological awareness, which is one component of the five pillars of reading instruction.
Read the Full Article & Join the Conversation
Read the full Op-Ed in the San Diego Union-Tribune here.
Contact us to learn more about how our specialized speech-language therapy can support your child’s literacy journey.
Let’s work together to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed in reading and beyond! We believe that raising awareness about effective literacy instruction is crucial, which is why we encourage parents, educators, and policymakers to take action.
