As educators, we know the start of the school year sets the tone for everything that follows. For school administrators, it’s a critical window to align teams, equip teachers, and engage families—especially when it comes to identifying and supporting struggling readers.
The truth? Reading challenges don’t always announce themselves. Students may mask them with silence, acting out, or simply avoiding reading tasks altogether. That’s why listening from the start—really listening—is one of the most powerful things we can do.
What should school administrators include in a back-to-school checklist?
A strong checklist helps schools identify and support struggling readers early. It should include:
- Teacher training on early reading risk signs
- Use of universal screeners by a set timeframe
- Systems to activate audiobook access quickly
- Clear communication of eligibility criteria
- Coordination with IEP/504 or MTSS teams
In 2024, 15 states strengthened policies aligned with the science of reading, emphasizing exactly these practices to boost early literacy outcomes (ExcelinEd).
📌 Why it matters: Every week counts. Students who don’t get the right support early risk falling further behind—academically and emotionally. You have the power to change that trajectory.
Administrator Reflection: Is Your System Ready?
Ask yourself:
- Have all teachers been trained to spot reading struggles?
- Are we using screeners and student data early in the term?
- Do teachers know how to confirm eligibility for Learning Ally?
- Do we have a referral and activation process in place?
✅ Quick action now prevents crisis later. Systems that catch students early reduce stress for teachers, close equity gaps, and build schoolwide confidence.
How can teachers recognize struggling readers early?
Teachers should look for signs like:
- Avoiding reading aloud
- Reading slowly or lacking fluency
- Difficulty decoding or retelling text
- Disengagement or frustration with reading tasks
These signs may indicate challenges with decoding, fluency, or comprehension—even if students don’t say they’re struggling.
📊 A recent study found that more than 20% of students in grades 5–7 were still below decoding thresholds—often unidentified and unsupported (Education Week). The earlier we listen, the more we can lift.
What are effective strategies to support struggling readers?
Start the year with inclusive practices that support all students:
- Allow extra time to process information
- Break tasks into smaller steps
- Use visuals, stories, and hands-on learning
- Offer human-read audiobooks
- Avoid forced reading aloud in class
- Provide modified assignments when needed
🔑 Inclusive doesn’t mean complicated. These strategies empower not just struggling readers—but every learner in your classroom.
How can audiobooks be used in the classroom from day one?
Audiobooks are easy to integrate into existing routines. Use this timeline:
- Week 1–2: Normalize audiobooks as part of general K-12 reading routines
- Week 3: Use screener data to provide targeted access
- Week 4: Share success stories and refine interventions
Audiobooks have been proven to support reading comprehension equally—or even more effectively—than traditional print for struggling readers and ELLs (ECC Cornerstone).
📈 Audiobooks are not a shortcut—they’re a proven pathway. Students who consistently used human-read audiobooks doubled their reading growth in just 50 days and were nearly twice as likely to gain a full grade level.
Who qualifies for Learning Ally audiobooks?
Students may qualify if they struggle with:
- Decoding (sounding out words)
- Reading fluency
- Comprehension or memory
No formal IEP or diagnosis is required. Eligibility can be confirmed by teachers, reading specialists, school psychologists, or other professionals.
🔍 Don’t wait for a label. If a student is struggling, you can support them now.
Why is early reading intervention so important?
A national 2024 survey revealed that 44% of teachers regularly encounter students unable to read grade-level content—and many reported they lacked the training or admin support to intervene effectively (Education Week).
🧠 Great teachers can’t do it alone. When administrators lead with purpose and resources, they amplify every educator’s impact.
Let’s Make Sure No Student Goes Unseen
Every child deserves to feel confident, capable, and connected to reading. As leaders, we can make that possible—by listening from the start.
📥 Get the Back-to-School Guide