Despite massive federal and state investments in literacy over the past decades, reading achievement for middle- and high-school students has not improved since 1970, according to data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress. The "Goldilocks" reading approach, rooted in theories from the 1940s, encourages teachers to assign students books they can read with high accuracy and comprehension -- typically at or below their assessed reading level. However, this method often results in students reading material that does not sufficiently challenge them, potentially limiting their growth.

Benjamin Barbour, a high-school social studies teacher and librarian in Pennsylvania, describes how he uses local ghost stories and urban legends during Halloween season to teach students about history, sociology and information literacy. Barbour says the stories reveal community values and fears, and tracing their origins through primary sources helps students develop research skills.

The Kentucky Reading Academies have shown early success in improving literacy among young students, according to a third-party evaluation by ICF. Since its launch in 2022, the program has increased student reading scores and educator knowledge of evidence-based literacy practices. The initiative, part of the Read to Succeed Act, offers free professional development for K-5 educators and administrators.

The Grossmont Union High School District in California is facing backlash after eliminating all teacher-librarian positions, replacing them with library technicians who lack the same qualifications. This shift has resulted in limited library access and a decline in library services, students and teachers say. The district has created one district librarian position to oversee all libraries, a move critics say is insufficient.

The documentary "The Librarians" delves into the struggles of librarians, teachers and students who are at the forefront of the battle against book bans in the United States. Through interviews, archival footage and coverage of school board meetings, the film not only documents recent efforts to censor literature but also places these actions within a historical context.

OverDrive has introduced an AI-powered book recommendation feature called Inspire Me, which CEO Steve Potash says is designed to help users discover lesser-known books and promote libraries amid declining literacy rates. While the feature has received mixed reactions from users wary of AI, Potash says Inspire Me has already increased the circulation of under-the-radar titles. OverDrive plans to expand its use of AI to integrate various media forms across its platforms.

If you struggle with productivity, it may be that the tools you're using are misaligned with your natural cognitive style, writes Deliberate Direction's Allison Dunn, who outlines four dominant styles, including those who are driven by logic and data, those who are collaborative and those who pay attention to detail. Dunn suggests tools that match each style as well as tips on arranging your workspace to optimize your time.

A federal judge has ordered the Department of Defense to return nearly 600 books about gender and race to school libraries on military bases in Kentucky, Virginia, Italy and Japan, after students, supported by the ACLU, claimed their First Amendment rights were violated when the books were removed under President Donald Trump's executive orders to eliminate materials promoting gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology.