Reading Programs: Questions Parents Should Ask

Choosing a school is one of the biggest decisions a family makes. Asking the right questions helps.

Choosing a school is one of the biggest decisions a family makes, and for many parents, reading instruction sits right at the center of that choice. Reading is the gateway to everything else children learn. When it’s going well, school feels manageable. When it’s not, everything feels harder.

The challenge is that nearly every school will say they “teach reading well.” So how can parents tell what that actually means?

Here are a few key things to look for when evaluating a school’s reading program and the questions worth asking along the way.

1. Clear, Explicit Instruction in How Reading Works

Strong reading programs do not assume children will “pick it up” naturally. They teach reading explicitly and systematically.

This means students are taught:

• How letters and sounds connect

• How to blend sounds to read words

• How spelling reinforces reading

• How reading, writing, and language work together

Decoding is essential, but it is only the beginning. Reading is ultimately about understanding, thinking, and making meaning. When children are taught how written language works, they are better able to focus their attention on comprehension, ask questions, make connections, and think critically about what they read.

If you hear phrases like “systematic phonics,” “structured literacy,” or “explicit instruction,” that is a good sign. These approaches are grounded in decades of research on how the brain learns to read and support all learners, not just those who struggle.

Question parents can ask:

“How do you teach children to read words and how do you help them understand and think about what they read?”

2. Early Attention When Reading Feels Hard

One of the most important indicators of a strong reading program is how a school responds when a child struggles.

Do they:

• Monitor progress regularly

• Adjust instruction quickly

• Provide targeted support early rather than waiting

Reading difficulties do not mean something is “wrong” with a child. They mean the child needs more explicit instruction. Schools that understand this do not rely on wait-and-see approaches. They act early, thoughtfully, and without stigma, so challenges do not quietly turn into frustration or avoidance.

Question parents can ask:

“What happens if my child isn’t making expected progress in reading?”

3. Well-Prepared Teachers, Not Just Good Materials

Curriculum matters, but people matter more.

A strong reading program depends on teachers who deeply understand how reading develops and how reading, spelling, and writing reinforce one another. Skilled teachers know that writing and spelling are not add-ons. They are powerful ways students learn how language works and how to organize and express their thinking.

When teachers truly understand reading science, they can:

• Notice subtle signs of confusion, avoidance, or disengagement

• Respond to both struggling and advanced readers

• Use spelling and writing to strengthen reading and comprehension

• Build confidence alongside skill

Look for schools that invest in ongoing professional learning and instructional coaching, not just one-time training sessions.

Question parents can ask:

“How are teachers trained and supported in reading, writing, and spelling instruction?”

4. Support for All Learners, Including Advanced Readers

Sometimes children who already read well can appear bored, disengaged, or uncomfortable, not because the work is too hard, but because it is not meeting their needs.

Strong reading programs pay attention to:

• Growth for proficient readers

• Opportunities for deeper thinking, discussion, and writing

• Continued vocabulary and knowledge building

Reading instruction should not stall once a child can decode. Strong programs continue to challenge students as thinkers, asking them to analyze, reflect, write, and express ideas clearly using evidence from what they read.

Question parents can ask:

“How do you support students who are already strong readers and thinkers?”

5. A School Culture That Values Reading and Thinking

Finally, look beyond the schedule and curriculum to the culture.

In strong literacy environments:

• Reading, writing, and spelling are taught as connected skills

• Students are encouraged to explain their thinking in speech and in writing

• Mistakes are viewed as part of learning

• Progress is celebrated, not compared

Children feel safe taking risks. Parents feel informed. Teachers feel supported.

When a school truly prioritizes literacy, it shows, not just in test scores, but in how confidently students read, write, speak, and think.

A Final Thought

Parents do not need to be reading experts to ask good questions. Trust your instincts. If a school can clearly explain how they teach reading, how they build understanding and critical thinking, and how they use writing and spelling to support learning, that transparency matters.

Reading is foundational, but it is also transformative. When children learn to read with understanding and use writing to express their ideas, they gain the tools to think deeply, communicate clearly, and engage meaningfully with the world. Choosing a school that takes that responsibility seriously is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child.