Key points:
More than eight in 10 (86 percent) parents say it is very (55 percent) or somewhat (31 percent) important that their child’s school implements the science of reading and principles of structured literacy in their curriculum, according to a national survey of more than 1,000 U.S. parents of children ages 3-17.
Despite this enthusiasm, only 33 percent of parents say their child’s school is doing so, according to the survey, which was commissioned by Lexia, a Cambium Learning Group brand, and conducted by The Harris Poll.
“Over the last 11 years, 38 states and DC have enacted laws or policies related to evidence-based reading instruction. This shift has increased awareness about the science of reading, which means that more parents now want to see these best practices implemented in their child’s school,” said Lexia President Nick Gaehde. “In addition, a rapidly growing number of parents would like to see a greater investment in reading resources to help their children both inside and outside of the classroom.”
When asked to think specifically about their child’s current reading and language abilities and what the school could improve upon, 50 percent of parents say their child’s school could improve upon investing in reading-specific technology resources. Further, 54 percent of parents want to ensure that their child’s literacy curriculum includes features that personalize it for each student, up from 43 percent last year.
Among other findings in the June 2024 survey are parents’ awareness of and support for artificial intelligence (AI).
- Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of parents are very (23 percent) or somewhat (49 percent) familiar with the different types of AI such as generative AI and machine learning.
- A majority of parents support their child’s teacher using generative AI to develop activities in the classroom (65 percent) or create their lesson plans (60 percent).
- In addition, 55 percent of parents support their child using generative AI to help with assignments and/or homework.
“As schools roll out new technologies and new resources that are grounded in the science of reading, it is important to inform and educate parents about them. This will allow parents to see exactly how the district and school are supporting state reading initiatives, implementing evidence-based practices, and supporting the individual success of their child,” said Gaehde.
Other findings from the survey provide additional insights into where parents think their child’s school is doing well and where it can improve.
- Just over half (51 percent) of parents say that their child’s school has done well supporting their child’s academic needs, up from 46 percent in 2023.
- Only 42 percent of parents are very satisfied with the literacy program at their child’s school, down from 48 percent last year.
- Fewer than half think their child’s school has done well engaging their child in classroom activities (46 percent) or ensuring their child is performing at or above grade level (45 percent).
- About two in five parents (42 percent) worry about school staffing shortages for the 2024-25 school year, which coincides with the 65 percent of parents who say they have seen or heard about teacher shortages in their child’s school or district in the past 12 months.
