A quicker climb up the literacy mountain: Why rigor and efficiency matter in early reading

Thursday, February 12, 2026Leah Ruesink, Early Literacy CoachView original

In early reading, first graders who are behind have an 88 percent chance of still being behind in fourth grade--rigor and efficiency are key.

In early literacy, the goal is simple but urgent: Help students become independent readers and writers. Every instructional decision we make either moves them closer to that goal or keeps them circling the mountain instead of climbing it.