What happens when we treat reading as a checkbox rather than an ongoing developmental journey? Jenny Webb, Director of English and Literacy at Carlton Academy Trust, pulls back the curtain on the challenging reality of literacy in UK schools today.
Despite government claims about improvements in reading standards, educators are experiencing something quite different in classrooms. Jenny explains how up to 25% of children in less advantaged areas cannot functionally read, yet many schools remain unaware because they're not testing properly. She challenges the artificial barrier we've created between reading and learning, arguing that reading proficiency continues developing throughout teenage years and beyond - long after basic phonics have been mastered.
The conversation explores how schools function as evolving ecosystems requiring flexible, adaptable systems rather than one-size-fits-all approaches. Each year brings new cohorts with different needs, yet school leaders often face immense pressure to move quickly to the next initiative instead of maintaining sustained attention on literacy development.
Educational technology emerges as a powerful ally when implemented thoughtfully. Jenny shares how adaptive reading assessments can provide nuanced understanding of students' abilities, freeing teachers to focus on the meaningful human connections that make education transformative. "What has to be me and what doesn't have to be me?" she asks, articulating the complementary relationship between technology and teaching.
Whether you're an educator, parent, or literacy advocate, this conversation offers a compelling framework for understanding and addressing the complex literacy challenges facing students today. Listen now to discover how combining sound educational principles, responsive technology, and human connection can create more effective literacy development for all students.