Failing Students or Failing Schools?: A Parent's Guide to Reading Instruction and Intervention

Ms. Borkowsky does a fantastic job of breaking down the important factors in literacy. She explains the various reasons students are learning to read in school, what parents should be aware of, and how to set a good literacy foundation in the home. As an educator and homeschool mom to a student with dyslexia, I've researched a lot of the best practices for remedial teaching and teaching students with special needs. All of those and more are covered in this concise, well researched volume. I will be recommending this to parents and educators.

Sally Grimes: Having been professionally involved with issues related to our Reading Crisis since the early 70’s and having seen it from many vantage points (teacher, professor, administrator, consultant), I have been waiting for a book like “Failing Students or Failing Schools?” to be published! Yes, my shelves are over-loaded with literally hundreds of books addressing the Reading issues in our schools…and workplace, but they usually focus on more general aspects. Having been highly and properly trained and experienced in the “Science of Reading” and having had a “front row seat “ for decades in key positions in schools, Faith Borkowsky has an extraordinary grasp of the actual complexities and details of infrastructures, budgets, schedules, biases, a paucity of adequate and accurate professional development, etc. in our schools and how these impact Reading instruction for Pre K-12. (Yes, there are older students who still struggle.) This is the book I have often thought of writing. I have gone all over this country for decades providing professional development and consultation to schools and have seen the REAL reasons so many children struggle with Reading. They are the same reasons described by this author. One major reason is the “incomplete” pre-service training that exists in most of our Schools of Higher Education nationally (see www.nctq). This lack of knowledge by both professors and administration in Higher Ed is one of the key sources of the confusion about how children learn to read. (As an independent consultant, I assisted in writing the current Reading test in Massachusetts that teachers must take. As I go around to the schools, I listen to the teachers lament about its difficulty, having to take it many times in order to pass. Those in the Schools of Education where the Science of Reading is taught have no difficulty passing this test.) For parents and teachers who need to understand why their students are having trouble Reading, this book is essential. Faith explains very clearly what is not usually explained to parents about the methodologies that routinely impede reading skill development and the varied needs by varied brains. For example, parents tell me that no one explained to them why Decodable Books are needed by many early readers, rather than Leveled Readers and what “Balanced Literacy” is and what it isn’t. Faith explains why the balance between code-emphasis (referred to as Phonics) and meaning-emphasis (often referred to as “Whole Language”) must be tilted in different ways for different learners. Reading needs exist on a spectrum. One size never fits all. The term “Balanced Literacy” is misunderstood by scores of teachers and administrators. They often confess to me that they “don’t know what they don’t know”. In my decades of experience working with thousands of teachers, Pre K-3 and administrators), I hear innumerable comments about how they never were taught the Science of Reading and couldn’t understand why so many children struggle learning to read. Faith Borkowsky not only explains very clearly what we now know about beginning reading, but she also addresses key related issues that impact service delivery. Parents who read this short book will be very well equipped to speak with teachers and administrators about their child’s reading needs, this is for sure. The way the author addresses the myriad of related issues in clear, useful ways is quite remarkable and seldom seen in books. Readers can easily choose the parts of the book that are appropriate for them since the format and organization is so well done. Faith takes the mystery out of Reading by explaining very difficult concepts in succinct, user-friendly ways. Not only is this an important book for parents, it is important for state and national policy makers, leaders of adult education, corporations and schools, in general. Innumerable scientifically done studies indicate that we know how to teach all but 2-5% of people to read. My own experience confirms that. To have so much reading failure in this country that is a matter of Social Justice. This valuable little book meets a major need and its dissemination is very important. ,

Parents need to understand what is happening today in literacy instruction in schools across the US. We have trusted “the experts” only to have data revealing our kids are not reading. Faith gives a “behind the scenes” look to what is actually happening, and why RTI is not working. She helps parents understand what they can be doing to help their own children. Be careful, however, as you will find your personal advocacy journey will turn into an advocacy journey for all kids. Structured literacy with well trained teachers is the antidote to the poison that has grown in the whole language or balanced literacy approach. We know better, let’s do better.

This book is a must have resource for anyone who is concerned about a struggling reader or would like to understand the fundamentals behind learning to read . It is extremely well written by an author with expertise in all aspects of reading instruction. The author shows a deep genuine desire to promote awareness about the issue that effects at least one in five children in all classrooms . She has a special interist and gift for teaching those who have had the most difficulty learning to read . The book provides in depth descriptions with examples of the most effective reading instruction available for all beginning readers. It discusses the science behind learning to read that has been studied and remains undisputed. All scientific research has shown that reading is not a naturally aquired skill and is dependant on the development of accurate skill sets in phonological and phonemic awareness in order to become a successful proficient reader . The reading programs that are essential and most effective for dyslexic and any struggling reader have also been proven to be most effective for all beginning readers. Unfortunately , the science behind learning to read has been largely ignored when planning and implementing reading curriculum in schools . Instead , unsubstantiated philosophies about reading have taken hold and have perpetuated the production of a detrimental adverse reading climates that deemphasize the practice of actually decoding words based on letter sound correspondance and instead encourages guessing from picture clues and any other clue rather than learning to sound out words. This is contrary the scientific research and evidence based structured literacy type instruction that is most effective and beneficial for all beginning readers.

Ms. Borkowsky's book is an absolutely must read FOR ALL PARENTS. From the dyslexia parent advocate perspective, I was overwhelmed with the knowledge in this book and while it applied so keenly to my own child's journey in school, I couldn't help but feel all parents would benefit from this knowledge. We can't continue to blindly trust our educational system and just hand them our children solely on faith that they will be taught what they need to be taught. I've been lied to about my own's child's education and issues for years and I'm sick of it, but I know it's not just me. When I ask parents of "normative" children if they understand what their children are being taught, not a single parent can answer me. If you're a parent advocate navigating the system, it's so much of what you may already know, but put into context and said in a way that is sort of freeing yet empowering for the long fight. This book needs to be in every parent's arsenal. This book needs to be required reading for everyone in every state, regardless of if you're kids go to public or private school.

Great book for parents and teachers! I purchased this book in early July and it has become one of my most valued resources! I love that the book not only includes information on missed teaching opportunities, but it also provides us with knowledge on what we can do to help our struggling readers. Faith's book also highlights how important it is for both parents and leaders to be involved. Parents must be proactive, and leaders must provide appropriate training. My favorite chapter, " Reading Comprehension Issues- Possible Causes and Solutions,” is one I highly recommend! Dr. Agata Kaminska Educator

This is a must read book for all stakeholders in education. There is too much misinformation in reading education that has infected instruction in our schools and harm our children. Although many private schools have better quality instruction, many have these same problems. Scientifically-based structured reading is not a secret code. We know what we need to do to teach our children effectively. It is about time we start asking why schools do the opposite of what we know to be effective in literacy instruction.

“…teachers have very little power, even if, as in this district, they want to utilize programs and methods that are instructionally sound.” Failing Students or Failing Schools tells the story of Faith Borkowsky ’s journey as an educator who wants all of her students to succeed and will accept nothing less than answers when she realizes that what she has learned in her teacher training will not help all kids learn to read. When she finds what she realizes are the solutions, a science-based approach to reading effective for all students, she begins a lifelong quest to educate herself, and then other teachers, so that all kids can achieve success. Unfortunately, having the answers to how all kids should learn to read, and even having the research to back up the approach isn’t always enough to change the hearts and minds of leaders and administrators. The author uses her own experiences to show the resistance she faced implementing an evidence-based approach to reading within school districts. In addition to school administrators, even some teachers are unwilling to change, and there is a bittersweet description of the author approaching a classroom ready to offer training only to have the shade pulled down on the window, and to have the teacher gesture for her to go away. As a parent and a publisher, it is nearly mesmerizing to read another perspective on when that epiphany comes over you with the realization that all of your education and work will not help the kids who need the most help. The author has an engaging, conversational style, yet she offers real facts, and essential information about why our country is in a literacy crisis. Failing Students or Failing Schools is Faith Borkowsky’s story, but it is not unique. What is unique is the candor and perspective of someone determined to work through a broken system and make a difference. There are two significant takeaways to consider: 1. We know how to teach reading. For many reasons, we can’t easily implement the solutions. 2. There are many stakeholders in the reading world, and the consensus is sorely lacking. Anyone who wants to understand why our kids aren’t learning to read, how they should learn to read, and what happens to an educational system that doesn’t embrace science-based solutions should read this important book. Finally, any parent who believes that teachers are solely to blame for our kids not learning to read will appreciate another perspective.

This is the book that I wished I had early in my career as an educator. In my years of leading five different types of schools, including one inside Philadelphia’s correctional facilities, and educating thousands of incarcerated youth and adults, I have repeatedly witnessed a sad occurrence: students who could not read. For too long, we have missed the mark on the right approach to reading instruction. Faith Borkowsky has written a timely and important book that offers valuable answers to reading difficulties. In Failing Students or Failing Schools?, Borkowsky presents an extraordinary guide to reading instruction. Having coached, supported, and observed hundreds of teachers, I have witnessed their struggles with teaching reading. Teachers want to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make explicit, high-quality reading instruction part of their classroom practices, but new teacher preparation and ongoing professional development is inadequate. Borkowsky helps parents, teachers, and principals understand what is required to improve reading instruction in schools across the United States. She highlights the best and practical reading instruction methods.

I bought this book because my son is having great difficulty with reading. He is in first grade. They give him long lists of sight words to memorize and leveled readers. He is not making any progress despite working very hard. I have done everything the school suggests but we aren't getting anywhere. This book was suggested to me. I read it and I now realize why he is struggling so much. Now I know that we need a completely different approach. The school district is not helping him and now I have the tools I need to do it. I now have a path to follow and I am finally feeling optimistic . If your child is struggling, get this book.

Ms. Borkowsky does a fantastic job of breaking down the important factors in literacy. She explains the various reasons students are learning to read in school, what parents should be aware of, and how to set a good literacy foundation in the home. As an educator and homeschool mom to a student with dyslexia, I've researched a lot of the best practices for remedial teaching and teaching students with special needs. All of those and more are covered in this concise, well researched volume. I will be recommending this to parents and educators.

Sally Grimes: Having been professionally involved with issues related to our Reading Crisis since the early 70’s and having seen it from many vantage points (teacher, professor, administrator, consultant), I have been waiting for a book like “Failing Students or Failing Schools?” to be published! Yes, my shelves are over-loaded with literally hundreds of books addressing the Reading issues in our schools…and workplace, but they usually focus on more general aspects. Having been highly and properly trained and experienced in the “Science of Reading” and having had a “front row seat “ for decades in key positions in schools, Faith Borkowsky has an extraordinary grasp of the actual complexities and details of infrastructures, budgets, schedules, biases, a paucity of adequate and accurate professional development, etc. in our schools and how these impact Reading instruction for Pre K-12. (Yes, there are older students who still struggle.) This is the book I have often thought of writing. I have gone all over this country for decades providing professional development and consultation to schools and have seen the REAL reasons so many children struggle with Reading. They are the same reasons described by this author. One major reason is the “incomplete” pre-service training that exists in most of our Schools of Higher Education nationally (see www.nctq). This lack of knowledge by both professors and administration in Higher Ed is one of the key sources of the confusion about how children learn to read. (As an independent consultant, I assisted in writing the current Reading test in Massachusetts that teachers must take. As I go around to the schools, I listen to the teachers lament about its difficulty, having to take it many times in order to pass. Those in the Schools of Education where the Science of Reading is taught have no difficulty passing this test.) For parents and teachers who need to understand why their students are having trouble Reading, this book is essential. Faith explains very clearly what is not usually explained to parents about the methodologies that routinely impede reading skill development and the varied needs by varied brains. For example, parents tell me that no one explained to them why Decodable Books are needed by many early readers, rather than Leveled Readers and what “Balanced Literacy” is and what it isn’t. Faith explains why the balance between code-emphasis (referred to as Phonics) and meaning-emphasis (often referred to as “Whole Language”) must be tilted in different ways for different learners. Reading needs exist on a spectrum. One size never fits all. The term “Balanced Literacy” is misunderstood by scores of teachers and administrators. They often confess to me that they “don’t know what they don’t know”. In my decades of experience working with thousands of teachers, Pre K-3 and administrators), I hear innumerable comments about how they never were taught the Science of Reading and couldn’t understand why so many children struggle learning to read. Faith Borkowsky not only explains very clearly what we now know about beginning reading, but she also addresses key related issues that impact service delivery. Parents who read this short book will be very well equipped to speak with teachers and administrators about their child’s reading needs, this is for sure. The way the author addresses the myriad of related issues in clear, useful ways is quite remarkable and seldom seen in books. Readers can easily choose the parts of the book that are appropriate for them since the format and organization is so well done. Faith takes the mystery out of Reading by explaining very difficult concepts in succinct, user-friendly ways. Not only is this an important book for parents, it is important for state and national policy makers, leaders of adult education, corporations and schools, in general. Innumerable scientifically done studies indicate that we know how to teach all but 2-5% of people to read. My own experience confirms that. To have so much reading failure in this country that is a matter of Social Justice. This valuable little book meets a major need and its dissemination is very important. ,

Parents need to understand what is happening today in literacy instruction in schools across the US. We have trusted “the experts” only to have data revealing our kids are not reading. Faith gives a “behind the scenes” look to what is actually happening, and why RTI is not working. She helps parents understand what they can be doing to help their own children. Be careful, however, as you will find your personal advocacy journey will turn into an advocacy journey for all kids. Structured literacy with well trained teachers is the antidote to the poison that has grown in the whole language or balanced literacy approach. We know better, let’s do better.

This book is a must have resource for anyone who is concerned about a struggling reader or would like to understand the fundamentals behind learning to read . It is extremely well written by an author with expertise in all aspects of reading instruction. The author shows a deep genuine desire to promote awareness about the issue that effects at least one in five children in all classrooms . She has a special interist and gift for teaching those who have had the most difficulty learning to read . The book provides in depth descriptions with examples of the most effective reading instruction available for all beginning readers. It discusses the science behind learning to read that has been studied and remains undisputed. All scientific research has shown that reading is not a naturally aquired skill and is dependant on the development of accurate skill sets in phonological and phonemic awareness in order to become a successful proficient reader . The reading programs that are essential and most effective for dyslexic and any struggling reader have also been proven to be most effective for all beginning readers. Unfortunately , the science behind learning to read has been largely ignored when planning and implementing reading curriculum in schools . Instead , unsubstantiated philosophies about reading have taken hold and have perpetuated the production of a detrimental adverse reading climates that deemphasize the practice of actually decoding words based on letter sound correspondance and instead encourages guessing from picture clues and any other clue rather than learning to sound out words. This is contrary the scientific research and evidence based structured literacy type instruction that is most effective and beneficial for all beginning readers.

Ms. Borkowsky's book is an absolutely must read FOR ALL PARENTS. From the dyslexia parent advocate perspective, I was overwhelmed with the knowledge in this book and while it applied so keenly to my own child's journey in school, I couldn't help but feel all parents would benefit from this knowledge. We can't continue to blindly trust our educational system and just hand them our children solely on faith that they will be taught what they need to be taught. I've been lied to about my own's child's education and issues for years and I'm sick of it, but I know it's not just me. When I ask parents of "normative" children if they understand what their children are being taught, not a single parent can answer me. If you're a parent advocate navigating the system, it's so much of what you may already know, but put into context and said in a way that is sort of freeing yet empowering for the long fight. This book needs to be in every parent's arsenal. This book needs to be required reading for everyone in every state, regardless of if you're kids go to public or private school.

Great book for parents and teachers! I purchased this book in early July and it has become one of my most valued resources! I love that the book not only includes information on missed teaching opportunities, but it also provides us with knowledge on what we can do to help our struggling readers. Faith's book also highlights how important it is for both parents and leaders to be involved. Parents must be proactive, and leaders must provide appropriate training. My favorite chapter, " Reading Comprehension Issues- Possible Causes and Solutions,” is one I highly recommend! Dr. Agata Kaminska Educator

This is a must read book for all stakeholders in education. There is too much misinformation in reading education that has infected instruction in our schools and harm our children. Although many private schools have better quality instruction, many have these same problems. Scientifically-based structured reading is not a secret code. We know what we need to do to teach our children effectively. It is about time we start asking why schools do the opposite of what we know to be effective in literacy instruction.

“…teachers have very little power, even if, as in this district, they want to utilize programs and methods that are instructionally sound.” Failing Students or Failing Schools tells the story of Faith Borkowsky ’s journey as an educator who wants all of her students to succeed and will accept nothing less than answers when she realizes that what she has learned in her teacher training will not help all kids learn to read. When she finds what she realizes are the solutions, a science-based approach to reading effective for all students, she begins a lifelong quest to educate herself, and then other teachers, so that all kids can achieve success. Unfortunately, having the answers to how all kids should learn to read, and even having the research to back up the approach isn’t always enough to change the hearts and minds of leaders and administrators. The author uses her own experiences to show the resistance she faced implementing an evidence-based approach to reading within school districts. In addition to school administrators, even some teachers are unwilling to change, and there is a bittersweet description of the author approaching a classroom ready to offer training only to have the shade pulled down on the window, and to have the teacher gesture for her to go away. As a parent and a publisher, it is nearly mesmerizing to read another perspective on when that epiphany comes over you with the realization that all of your education and work will not help the kids who need the most help. The author has an engaging, conversational style, yet she offers real facts, and essential information about why our country is in a literacy crisis. Failing Students or Failing Schools is Faith Borkowsky’s story, but it is not unique. What is unique is the candor and perspective of someone determined to work through a broken system and make a difference. There are two significant takeaways to consider: 1. We know how to teach reading. For many reasons, we can’t easily implement the solutions. 2. There are many stakeholders in the reading world, and the consensus is sorely lacking. Anyone who wants to understand why our kids aren’t learning to read, how they should learn to read, and what happens to an educational system that doesn’t embrace science-based solutions should read this important book. Finally, any parent who believes that teachers are solely to blame for our kids not learning to read will appreciate another perspective.

This is the book that I wished I had early in my career as an educator. In my years of leading five different types of schools, including one inside Philadelphia’s correctional facilities, and educating thousands of incarcerated youth and adults, I have repeatedly witnessed a sad occurrence: students who could not read. For too long, we have missed the mark on the right approach to reading instruction. Faith Borkowsky has written a timely and important book that offers valuable answers to reading difficulties. In Failing Students or Failing Schools?, Borkowsky presents an extraordinary guide to reading instruction. Having coached, supported, and observed hundreds of teachers, I have witnessed their struggles with teaching reading. Teachers want to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make explicit, high-quality reading instruction part of their classroom practices, but new teacher preparation and ongoing professional development is inadequate. Borkowsky helps parents, teachers, and principals understand what is required to improve reading instruction in schools across the United States. She highlights the best and practical reading instruction methods.

I bought this book because my son is having great difficulty with reading. He is in first grade. They give him long lists of sight words to memorize and leveled readers. He is not making any progress despite working very hard. I have done everything the school suggests but we aren't getting anywhere. This book was suggested to me. I read it and I now realize why he is struggling so much. Now I know that we need a completely different approach. The school district is not helping him and now I have the tools I need to do it. I now have a path to follow and I am finally feeling optimistic . If your child is struggling, get this book.

This book should be read by every parent. Not only does it explain how schools are repeatedly putting the cart before the horse (so to speak), but it explains the apathy parents encounter when trying to talk with schools and teachers when their children struggle in ANY subject, but especially when they struggle with reading. It explains the problems, the solutions, and uses terminology that just about everyone can understand. Highly informative and engaging as well as eye opening! I recommend it to everyone involved with children and education.

This succinct, exceptional book provides a wide array of information and insights into reading instruction, how it should be taught, how it is being taught, and why there is a significant disconnect between what is know via scientific research and what is taught in schools. It also covers additional instructional factors that are supportive to the explicit teaching of the 5 essential areas of reading. An added bonus: all of this is in a little over 100 pages! This book shares the why of teaching reading as well as what to do about it. If you are a parent, teacher, education administrator, or have an interest in how reading is taught, this book is for you!.

This book is fantastic! It is exactly what I was hoping it would be - a true account of what is happening within our schools across the country! Indeed, our country is in a literacy crisis and educators MUST do better. We can start by sharing this book with parents, teachers, and administrators. There IS a way to overcome, but we must first stop blaming our society and begin to focus on our reading instruction. It's not working! We must first "build the basics." If you are not familiar, read the book! I share the same experiences, beliefs, and passion for teaching as Faith Borkowsky! I applaud her for publishing this book! Much needed! Much appreciated!

I've worked in education publishing for 25 years and I still learned a lot from this wonderful book! I don't just consider this book essential reading for parents who are trying to advocate for their child, but for practitioners, administrators and policy-makers -- and any concerned taxpayers. The author's public education experience enables her to provide a critically important perspective on the various layers of reading politic and policy that somehow continue to prevent teachers from knowing about ongoing advances in pedagogy. If you are interested in reading pedagogy, this is a very important book!

This is the book we’ve been waiting for! It makes the problem that many parents and students face so clear - teachers and administrators just not getting it! I hope it begins to erase the blank stares so many of us encounter when we talk about scientifically based reading instruction. Until this book, there was no simple place to start. I will be handing this book out frequently!!

This is a small book that is mighty in content. I am so thankful Faith shared so eloquently on behalf of all of us who are passionate about those with Dyslexia. This readable text is a must have for all school administrators, teachers, and parents of children with learning differences. Faith not only addresses the problems, but she provides tangible ways to remedy them. It will certainly remain in my professional collection.

Wonderful explanation about the science of reading, needed instruction across the board, how parents can advocate for their children, and educational practices that need to change. Well written and delivered! Bravo for bringing such a wonderful resource to parents and teachers alike!!!