Teacher wants to tell students their real reading level

High school teacher Amber has a controversial idea that might just help turn around America's reading crisis: tell students exactly what grade level they're actually reading at.

It sounds simple, but it's sparked a big debate online. Amber, who shares teaching insights on TikTok, noticed something alarming in her classroom that mirrors a national trend.

The 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress revealed that 33% of eighth graders now read below basic level, the worst performance in 30 years. Among fourth graders, 40% can't read at grade level, the highest percentage in two decades.

"Our lowest performing students are reading at historically low levels," said Peggy Carr, commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics. But here's the kicker: many students and parents don't even know there's a problem.

A 2023 study found that nearly nine out of ten parents believed their child was reading at grade level, while only about half actually were. That disconnect means kids aren't getting the help they need because nobody realizes they're struggling.

Amber wants to change that by having students take an online literacy test to see where they truly stand. "I think some students need that in order to push themselves to actually try in school," she explained in her video.

Why This Inspires

What makes Amber's approach powerful is how she frames it. She doesn't want to shame students. Instead, she tells them: if you're not at a level you're proud of, it's not your fault, but if you choose not to fix it, it will be.

Her method creates awareness without singling anyone out. Every student takes the test, and those who need support get personalized strategies to improve.

Teachers flooded her comments with support. "The kid needs to know," one wrote. "The parents can't read for them or do the work for them."

Amber believes this honesty could prevent what's already happening: 54% of American adults can't read at a fifth grade level, possibly because no one ever told them they needed help.

Her approach offers students something precious: the truth, delivered with compassion, plus a roadmap to get better.