By: Jacob Swoboda
Executive Summary:
Many students across the country face literacy challenges for a variety of reasons, and these difficulties can worsen if they are not identified and addressed with appropriate interventions. Without support, students may develop low confidence, struggle to engage with peers, and in some cases grow disengaged from education.
Conditions such as ADHD can make it difficult to maintain attention, while dyslexia affects word recognition and often co-occurs with attention-related challenges. In addition, students who speak English as a second language (ESL) must develop literacy skills while simultaneously acquiring a new language, which adds another layer of complexity.
Despite these obstacles, many students demonstrate significant resilience when given the right supports. Effective strategies such as active reading techniques, early identification, and personalized guided instruction can help students build confidence, strengthen skills, and achieve long-term academic success.
ADHD:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common diagnosis among school-age children and can make it difficult to concentrate, sit still for extended periods, and retain newly learned information. It also contributes to reading challenges, with studies estimating that up to half of students with ADHD struggle with literacy skills. These students may have difficulty following a narrative, retaining what they read, and connecting new information to prior knowledge. Because reading comprehension requires sustained attention, managing multiple pieces of information can quickly overwhelm their working memory.
Fortunately, there are effective strategies to help students with ADHD improve their reading comprehension. Pre-reading questions can spark interest and prepare students for the material. Reading in short, engaging segments helps maintain attention, while acting out parts of the narrative allows students to release energy and stay involved. Ongoing encouragement and praise also play a key role in keeping students motivated to continue reading.
Dyslexia:
Dyslexia is a disorder that affects reading, particularly word identification and decoding. Approximately 15 to 20% of the population will experience dyslexia related difficulties, often linked to deficits in phonemic awareness – the ability to connect letters and sounds. These challenges make it difficult to decode unfamiliar words and can negatively impact reading comprehension. Over time, this may lead to a limited vocabulary, reduced background knowledge, and slower knowledge acquisition. Dyslexia is also commonly associated with additional challenges, including attention difficulties, and social skill development.
Early identification of dyslexia allows students to access evidence-based interventions that build reading skills and confidence. When educators understand students’ challenges and apply appropriate strategies, they can make significant improvements in both immediate performance and long-term confidence.
ESL:
Students who speak English as a second language (ESL) face additional challenges in developing reading skills. Often, there is insufficient instructional time to build foundational English proficiency. While pulling students out of class for targeted support is a common practice, this reduces the opportunity for peer interaction and language practice. Many ESL students are misdiagnosed with learning disabilities, often at later ages, when their difficulties stem primarily from limited instruction rather than an actual disorder. Limited vocabulary and low confidence can also make it harder for these students to express their struggles, increasing the risk of misdiagnosis.
Several strategies can support ESL students in developing language and reading skills. Consistent interaction with peers in the classroom promotes natural language use, while maintaining the native language at home supports overall linguistic development and prevents discouragement. Incorporating audio alongside written text provides both auditory and visual cues to reinforce learning. Additionally, guided writing sessions with targeted feedback offer a more personalized approach. With time, patience, and encouragement, these students can make significant progress.
Policy Recommendations
- Use engaging, age-appropriate texts in short segments to maintain students’ attention.
- Apply evidence-based strategies to build skills and confidence for students with dyslexia.
- Allocate sufficient instructional time for ESL students to receive personalized support while also promoting peer interaction.
Works Cited:
Bay Atlantic University. (2024, February 10). ESL students challenges: Overcoming language obstacles – bay atlantic university – washington, D.C. Bay Atlantic University. https://bau.edu/blog/esl-students-challenges/
https://www.facebook.com/Meredith-Cicerchia-288829218419641. (2019, May 31). ADHD reading problems. Touch-Type Read and Spell (TTRS). https://www.readandspell.com/us/adhd-reading-problems
Lexia. (2019, July 29). What is Dyslexia and How Does It Affect the Reading Process. Lexia Learning. https://www.lexialearning.com/blog/what-dyslexia-and-how-does-it-affect-reading-process
Misunderstood Minds . Attention Difficulties | PBS. (n.d.). Www.pbs.org. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/misunderstoodminds/attentiondiffs.html
Tatter, G. (2018, October 19). English Learners and Reading Challenges | Harvard Graduate School of Education. Www.gse.harvard.edu. https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/18/10/english-learners-and-reading-challenges
