The Knowledge Gap

As we continue our commitment to fostering strong readers and thinkers, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on an important book that sheds light on a vital aspect of our students' educational journeys: The Knowledge Gap by Natalie Wexler.

In her book, Wexler explores how background knowledge, or the wealth of information a student has about the world, plays a crucial role in developing reading comprehension skills. Wexler argues that too often, we focus on teaching reading skills—such as identifying main ideas or making inferences—without giving enough attention to building the deep knowledge that forms the foundation of understanding.

To illustrate the impact of this approach, Wexler shares an eye-opening example from France. "Until 1989," she writes, "all French schools were required to adhere to a detailed content-focused national curriculum, and many children began their education as early as age 2 at preschools. Then the government passed a law requiring all elementary schools to abandon the national curriculum and adopt [curriculum that foregrounded skills] like 'critical thinking' and 'learning how to learn.' The results were dramatic. In the period between 1987 and 2007 achievement levels decreased sharply. The drop was greatest among the neediest students."

This historical example serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of a content-rich curriculum that builds students' knowledge of the world. When students don't have enough background knowledge, they struggle to understand the texts they read, no matter how much time they spend practicing reading skills.

Imagine trying to read an article about space exploration without knowing what a planet is, or reading a historical account without understanding the concept of government. Comprehension requires more than just decoding words; it requires an understanding of the world and how it works.

At our school, we are dedicated to ensuring that all students receive a well-rounded education that includes not only the development of reading skills but also a deepening of knowledge in subjects like science and social studies. By building a rich reservoir of knowledge, we empower our students to make connections, ask meaningful questions, and become more confident readers and learners.

As we continue to support our students' growth, I encourage families to engage with them outside of the classroom by having conversations about current events, exploring new books, and visiting museums or local cultural sites. Every experience contributes to the broader tapestry of knowledge that will support their success in reading and beyond.

Thank you for being partners in this important work. Together, we can bridge the knowledge gap and help our students develop the comprehension skills they need to thrive.