Some said the new instructional materials try to cover too much, and that they’re not very well prepared to teach it. But they also expressed hope about its long-term impact on students.

A $150,000 federal grant will help an alliance of educators, policymakers, and others draw up a plan to increase the number of school libraries.

Teachers will start using teaching methods and materials that align to what’s now widely considered the best approach to literacy instruction. But experts caution it won’t solve all problems overnight.

Right2ReadPhilly is the city's latest reading program dedicated to promoting literacy outside of classroom instruction.

The challenge is meant to complement classroom instruction by helping students grow their love of learning, Superintendent Watlington said, while they practice literacy skills at home like vocabulary and reading comprehension.

Advocates and others say the city’s “Read by 4th” campaign and other efforts have built a strong foundation.

Brent Johnstone and Akeiff Staples started FathersRead365 from scratch five years ago and worked hard to expand its reach.  

But district data suggest drops were similar across racial, socioeconomic lines