Gen Alpha Can’t Read—But It’s Okay, Because We Have AI Now

A New Generation Faces Old Problems—With New Tools

The rise of Generation Alpha—kids born from 2010 onwards—has been marked by a constant presence of technology. For many, screens and smart devices have been a part of daily life since birth. Yet, despite this digital immersion, a troubling trend has emerged: literacy and foundational academic skills are in decline.

The Reading Crisis: Alarming Numbers and Real Stories

Across the United States, literacy rates among young students have plummeted. In 2020, 40% of first graders were well below grade level in reading, up from 27% in 2019. Teachers report that many students cannot recognize letters or their sounds, and some fifth graders are reading at a second or third grade level. The problem persists through middle school, with nearly 70% of eighth graders scoring below proficient in reading in 2022, and 30% scoring below basic.

Anecdotes from classrooms and everyday encounters underscore the severity. One teacher describes students unable to identify what letter comes after “C” in the alphabet—even in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. Another recounts an eight-year-old unable to read a simple menu at a restaurant.

Math and More: A Broader Academic Slide

It’s not just reading. Math scores have also dropped: in 2023, only 56% of fourth graders were performing at grade level, down from 69% in 2019. The pandemic exacerbated these problems, but the decline began before remote learning, indicating deeper, systemic issues.

Why Is This Happening?

Several factors contribute to this crisis:

• Overreliance on Technology: Kids often use devices for entertainment rather than learning, and many now rely on tools like ChatGPT to do their homework, reducing opportunities to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Educational Shifts: Decades ago, schools moved away from phonics-based reading instruction to a “three cueing” system, which encourages guessing words from context rather than decoding them. This has left many students without the skills to sound out unfamiliar words.
• Teacher Shortages and Overcrowded Classrooms: The pandemic led to a mass exodus of teachers, resulting in larger class sizes and less individual attention for students.
• Parental Involvement: Many parents are less hands-on with academics, assuming technology or schools will fill the gap.

The Role of AI: Problem or Solution?

Artificial intelligence is both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, students can use AI to bypass learning—having it write essays or solve problems for them. On the other, AI-powered educational tools can personalize learning, fill gaps, and provide interactive practice across subjects. Programs designed by educational experts can help children catch up, especially when parents are proactive about supplementing schoolwork.

What Can Be Done?

• Re-emphasize Foundational Skills: Schools need to return to evidence-based methods like phonics for reading instruction and ensure mastery of basic math skills.
• Smaller Class Sizes and More Support: Addressing teacher shortages and providing more individualized attention can help struggling students catch up.
• Parental Engagement: Parents should supplement classroom learning with activities at home and use trusted online resources to reinforce skills.
• Responsible Use of Technology: Teach children to use AI as a learning tool, not a shortcut, and encourage critical thinking and problem-solving.

Conclusion: The Future Is Still Unwritten

Gen Alpha faces unprecedented academic challenges, but with the right interventions—combining human teaching, parental involvement, and responsible use of AI—there is hope for a turnaround. The key is not to abandon technology, but to harness its power for learning, ensuring that the next generation is not only tech-savvy but truly educated.