“Why do students not comprehend?”
How do we support students in reading?
In The Knowledge Gap, Natalie Wexler explores why so many students struggle with reading, revealing that the issue isn’t a lack of ability but a school system that prioritizes test-driven reading skills over building deep, background knowledge. She shows how this skills-focused approach especially harms disadvantaged students, who often don’t have access to the same knowledge-rich experiences as their wealthier peers. Blending research with real classroom stories, Wexler makes a compelling case that giving all children access to a content-rich curriculum is the key to true reading comprehension, equity, and unlocking students’ potential.