Why the Science of Reading Matters for Savannah’s Students

Recent data from the Savannah–Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) reveal a literacy crisis. According to the Spring 2024 Georgia Milestones End‑of‑Grade Assessment, more than 41 % of third‑graders and over half of sixth‑graders are not reading at grade level[1]. The reading challenges cut across grades, with nearly 50 % of fourth‑grade students and 40 % of seventh‑graders still struggling to read proficiently[1]. In a district where more than 70 % of students are minorities and many families face poverty, these literacy gaps compound educational inequities[2].

What is the Science of Reading?

The Science of Reading isn’t a single curriculum but a body of research from psychology, neuroscience and education that outlines how children learn to read. Justice Unites Savannah Together (JUST) summarises it as five essential components[3]:

1. Phonemic Awareness – understanding the individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words.
2. Phonics – connecting those sounds to written letters and patterns to decode words.
3. Vocabulary – building a robust bank of word meanings.
4. Comprehension – understanding and making meaning from text.
5. Fluency – reading smoothly and accurately.

These components mirror the National Reading Panel’s recommendations, which emphasise comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, phonics and phonemic awareness as key elements of scientific reading instruction[4]. When instruction includes all five pillars, children develop the skills to decode unfamiliar words and understand what they read.

Why Savannah Needs Evidence‑Based Reading Instruction

Without strong reading skills, students struggle in every subject. Research shows that low literacy rates lead to poor academic performance, limited economic opportunities and widening socio‑economic disparities[5]. JUST’s advocacy prompted the SCCPSS to adopt the Science of Reading framework and hire a Literacy Effectiveness Officer[6], signalling a commitment to evidence‑based instruction. Savannah Educational Consultants (SEC) supports this shift by integrating the Science of Reading into our tutoring programs.

How SEC Can Help

SEC’s experienced tutors use structured literacy methods grounded in the Science of Reading. We work one‑on‑one with students to build phonemic awareness, phonics skills and reading comprehension. For families in 38 SCCPSS schools, the Georgia Promise Scholarship may cover the cost of tutoring and speech‑language therapy. Whether your child needs help decoding words or strengthening vocabulary, our nationally recognised educators can craft a personalised plan.

If your child is struggling with reading, don’t wait. Early intervention makes a measurable difference. Contact us to learn how the Science of Reading and our new Georgia Promise partnership can help your child thrive.

[1] [2] [3] [5] [6] School Literacy

https://justsav.org/school-literacy

[4] What Is the Science of Reading? | Really Great Reading

https://www.reallygreatreading.com/blog/what-is-the-science-of-reading-and-phonics