What is the best approach for a principal concerned about ninth graders struggling with reading?

Integrating reading skills into all subject areas is the most effective approach for addressing the struggles of ninth graders with reading for several reasons. Firstly, this strategy promotes the idea that reading is not just a skill to be developed in isolation, but one that is essential across the curriculum. By reinforcing reading skills in all subjects, students have multiple opportunities to practice and apply their reading abilities in varying contexts, which can lead to improved comprehension and fluency.

Additionally, when reading is incorporated into subjects like science, social studies, and math, it helps students understand that reading is a crucial tool for acquiring knowledge and engaging with content. This integrated approach can also foster a greater appreciation for reading, as students see its relevance in a range of real-world applications and academic pursuits.

Focusing solely on after-school test preparation sessions, increasing library time, or purchasing reading software may offer benefits in specific areas, but they lack the comprehensive and sustained engagement that comes from integrating reading into all subject areas. Test preparation typically emphasizes rote learning and may not address underlying deficiencies in reading skills. Additional library time, while useful, doesn’t ensure that students are actively developing their reading skills in practical contexts. Similarly, reading software can be beneficial but may not provide the collaborative and interactive experiences that traditional