Special Report

Reading to Understand: Unlocking the Elements of Comprehension

January 15, 2024
First grade students read over a story they crafted together in Megan Gose’s classroom at Moorsbridge Elementary School in Portage, Mich., on Nov. 29, 2023.
First grade students read over a story they crafted together in Megan Gose’s classroom at Moorsbridge Elementary School in Portage, Mich., on Nov. 29, 2023.
Emily Elconin for Education Week
The "science of reading" isn’t just about foundations like phonics; it’s about improving students’ reading comprehension. This complex work requires educators to teach rich content through texts, foster students’ vocabulary, and build their ability to persist through harder books. And challenges abound, including the distractions of digital devices and tests that don’t always align well to curricula.

In this special report, learn about the components of reading comprehension and strategies schools can use to support this critical goal.