Professors Set
the Standard for Teaching in the
21st Century

A few years ago, about half the students in the Bethel District were reading below grade level. Then UO researchers trained teachers in new methods of reading instruction, starting with kindergartners. The result? Eighty percent of the lowest-performing readers moved into average or above ranges.

Literacy in the U.S. has not kept pace with the increasing importance of reading skills. Four of ten American children can’t read at appropriate levels. “And if you can’t read, you don’t make it in life,” says Deb Simmons.

Armed with proven solutions, our researchers are taking their expertise to schools across the country, helping develop state and federal policies, and creating new teaching materials.