What is the purpose of core reading programs?

The purpose of core reading programs is to provide basic reading instruction in general education settings. These programs are designed to ensure that all students receive a foundational understanding of reading skills, which includes phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, and comprehension strategies. Core reading programs aim to support students in developing the necessary skills to read effectively and critically, which is essential for their academic success across all subjects. By emphasizing these instructional components, core reading programs help to create a standardized approach to reading instruction that benefits all learners, regardless of their individual challenges or backgrounds. This focus on foundational reading skills also serves to prevent future reading difficulties and supports overall literacy development in the classroom.