What core deficit do 90% of students with significant reading problems have?

The core deficit that 90% of students with significant reading problems have is related to phonological information. This refers to the ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds in spoken words, which is critical for developing reading skills. Phonological awareness, which includes skills such as identifying and working with sounds in language, is foundational for understanding that words are made up of sounds (phonemes). This foundational skill enables students to decode words and develop their reading abilities more effectively.

When students struggle with phonological information, they often experience difficulties in various aspects of reading, including decoding and spelling. Mastery of phonological skills is necessary for fluency and comprehension as well, because without being able to decode words accurately and efficiently, students may also struggle to understand what they are reading. Thus, addressing phonological deficits is essential for improving overall literacy skills among students who face reading challenges.