Study Finds Parents Were as Effective as Teachers in Teaching Early Reading

A report on The Oakland REACH found that a parent-led tutoring effort produced similar reading gains for young students as instruction from classroom teachers.

The Center on Reinventing Public Education described community members as untapped pools of talent in the effort to improve student achievement.

Why this matters

The Oakland program shows that well-trained parents and community members can help children make meaningful progress in early reading. The stronger the relationship and trust between tutor and child, the more willing children are to engage.

The study also reinforces a core Steps to Reading message: parents do not need to wait helplessly if a child is not learning to read at school. With structured materials and clear guidance, parents can become powerful reading teachers.