# COREY BROOKS: Chicago schools are failing kids at the one skill that can change their lives

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/corey-brooks-chicago-schools-are-failing-kids-at-the-one-skill-that-can-change-their-lives/
- Published: 2026-10-27T14:00:27+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-27T14:36:24+00:00
- Original publisher: Fox News (publisher lean: Far right)
- Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/corey-brooks-chicago-schools-failing-kids-one-skill-change-lives
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Chicago reading proficiency was 23% among fourth graders in 2024.
- The author argues literacy is vital to opportunity and independence.
- He advocates phonics and reading practice at home.

## Summary

Chicago fourth graders scored poorly in reading in the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress, according to an opinion article by Corey Brooks, who argues that the city’s schools and families are failing children by neglecting literacy. He says reading is essential to education, employment and independence, and that the issue deserves greater attention.

The article reports that 23% of Chicago fourth graders were proficient or higher, while 53% scored below basic; proficiency rose to 27% by eighth grade. Brooks says children who cannot read proficiently by the end of third grade are four times more likely to miss graduating on time, and points to phonics-based instruction and regular reading at home as ways to build skills. The supplied article text ends mid-sentence as Brooks begins assigning responsibility to parents.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.