Exposing the Literacy Gaps: Superintendents, Principals, and Teachers This Demands Attention Now

The Reality of Learning Gaps: A Wake-Up Call-"Don't Be Scared"

James’ parents sat in shock during the mid-year parent-teacher conference. They had believed their son was making progress, only to learn he was still reading at a 2nd-grade level. They had received no warning, no intervention plan, no guidance on how to help him at home. The MAP scores showed 198 at the beginning of the year and 198 at mid-year—zero growth. How could this happen? Who was responsible? And more importantly, what was going to be done about it?

James, a third-grade student, began the year behind and has remained behind, despite months of instruction. His report card did not reflect this stagnation, misleading his parents into believing he was progressing. Schools often send home test scores that parents don’t understand, yet they fail to send home clear explanations of the gaps that need to be closed. How are parents supposed to fix a problem they don’t even know exists? They are not teachers, and without the necessary information, they are left powerless to help their child succeed (Lavert & Bellancea, 2025).

The Data Speaks: What Must Change Immediately?

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), nearly 65% of fourth graders are not proficient in reading. Research shows that targeted interventions can close learning gaps within months when implemented effectively.

1. Interventions Must Be Immediate and Targeted (Lavert & Bellancea, 2025)
2. Parents Must Be Given the Full Picture (Lavert & Bellancea, 2025)
3. School Leadership Must Take Ownership (Lavert & Bellancea, 2025)

The Cost of Ignoring Gaps: The Case of Mrs. Williams

Mrs. Williams, a 3rd-grade teacher, knew over three-fourths of her students were behind, but she continued following the district pacing guide. She never paused to reteach, never used intervention strategies, and assumed students would catch up later. At the end of the year, when test scores showed no improvement, she acted surprised. But the truth was clear—she had never adjusted her teaching to meet their needs. This failure is happening in too many classrooms (Lavert & Bellancea, 2025).

Superintendents, Principals, and Teachers: What You Must Do Today

Superintendents and principals must take urgent action:

• What percentage of students are below proficiency?
• What percentage of parents know their child is behind?
• How are interventionists and coaches being monitored for impact?
• Are we using every available resource effectively? (Lavert & Bellancea, 2025)

A 4-Month Plan to Move Students to Proficiency

Superintendents, principals, and teachers must implement an aggressive intervention plan:

1. Assess Student Progress Immediately:
2. Implement Urgent, Targeted Interventions:
3. Monitor and Adjust Weekly:
4. Teach the Targeted Skills and Progress Monitor for the Next 4 Months:
5. Using Collaboration to Strengthen Instruction:

The Final Call: The Data Is Here. Now What?

Schools, administrators, and teachers have the data in front of them—the real question is, what are they doing with it? Having test results is meaningless if schools are not actively using them to adjust instruction, target missing skills, and ensure real learning happens.

We cannot keep testing students and expecting different results if we don’t change how we teach.

• Schools must use data to drive daily instruction—not just report it.
• Teachers must reteach skills, not just move forward with the curriculum.
• Administrators must ensure interventions are effective and adjusted when needed.

James’ case is not an isolated incident—it reflects a nationwide failure where misleading grades disempower parents and allow students to struggle silently. Educators must demand better, act faster, and stay committed to real solutions.

No more delays. No more excuses. The time for action is NOW!

Bibliography

Lavert, G., & Bellancea, J. (2025). Who Says I Can't? A Four-Year Plan to Erase the Reading Gap and Achieve Proficiency for Fourth Grade.), Solution Tree Publishing... Coming Soon!