It’s important to take skill levels of all children into consideration when developing a reading program for young learners, says Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights).

Governor Kathy Hochul began the new year by announcing a new Back-to-Basics initiative for the teaching of reading in New York State focused on phonics, decoding, vocabulary and comprehension.

This has the potential to aid many children who are currently struggling, says Assemblyman Colton. However, Assemblyman Colton, himself a former teacher, emphasizes that while a back-to-basics approach works for many children in developing reading competency, not all of them will benefit from a strict adherence to it.

“Having a program which accommodates a wide range of skill levels is key,” Assemblyman Colton says. “Children who fall behind in proficiency levels need to be taught the basics of phonics, vocabulary development and comprehension skills, but we must be careful not to restrict those children who are reading above grade level, and who need to be challenged and engaged. Those children benefit from enriched reading programs, while children who are struggling and falling behind in basic reading skills need back-to basic techniques. One size does not fit all.”