A University of Wisconsin psychologist says reading struggles are a national problem, and Minnesota is seeing it, too. Dr. Mark Seidenberg says the problem predates COVID. In 2024, Minnesota fourth-graders matched the national reading average, but the state’s score has fallen from 219 in 1998 to 214 today.

Seidenberg says screens, including parents’ screen habits, can affect literacy development, while reading and regular conversation remain important.

Minnesota’s READ Act is expanding screening and support for students who aren’t reading at grade level. More information is available from the Minnesota Department of Education’s READ Act website.