EducationNews.org

By Patrick R. Riccards
Effectively integrating Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics (STEM) education and its impact on the economic opportunity into the culture is more important today than anyone ever anticipated. Our nation's recent economic struggles, coupled with concerns about career readiness and 21st century jobs, have refocused our attention on infrastructure – both physical and human.

When the history books are closed, we will find that Reading First improved the reading skills of U.S. students. It is based on solid research. It is proven success in schools and classrooms across the nation. And there is clear data a scientifically based approach to reading skill acquisition rooted in phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension is the most effective way — without question — to teach kids to read.