
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon highlights a critical issue in American education: only 30% of students in 4th, 8th, and 12th grades are reading at a proficient level. She declares literacy as her top priority, emphasizing the importance of returning to the 'science of reading,' including phonics, to improve student outcomes. McMahon praises several states, such as Louisiana, Texas, Florida, Iowa, and Tennessee, for successfully embracing these innovative approaches to reading instruction.