New Tool Helps Parents Engage With Kids’ Reading Choices

Killen ISD parents can now keep up with what their kids are reading.

Killeen ISD Is Providing Parents a Free Online Library Service

There has been much talk about the types of books kids are exposed to in school libraries, and many school systems are taking steps to provide transparency. Killeen ISD will provide transparency through the free online service, Bookmarked.

Bookmarked Uses AI To Evaluate Book Content

According to the Bookmarked website, it would take over 27 years to manually evaluate the book content of one library. Using AI, Bookmarked can analyze, flag and determine age appropriateness in seconds. book content in seconds—not weeks. Flag policy issues, age appropriateness, and curriculum fit instantly.

Killeen ISD Parents Will Be Kept in the Loop

When a Killeen ISD student checks out a library book at school, parents will receive a notice. Bookmarked will also allow parents to create lists of approved books for their children and will also recommend books that meet with parental approval. Parents can access a parent user guide using this link if they want more information or want to sign up for the service.

Student Reading Scores are Down Nationwide

Efforts to make reading interesting for students comes at a time when reading scores nationwide have plummeted. Erika Sanzi, director of outreach for Defending Education told KTXS that student reading scores are at the lowest point since the test was created in 1992.

Some States Are Making Gains in Reading Scores

According to Sanzi, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are seeing improving scores due to success in reading instruction, a commitment to evidence-based teaching methods and third-grade retention policies. Third grade students who are not reading at grade level are held back from progressing to the next grade. Sanzi says early literacy is key.