AI Can Help Solve the Reading Achievement Gap
Psychology Today
by Coral PS Hoh Ph.D.February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
AI technology is emerging as a powerful tool to address the reading achievement gap, a pervasive issue linked to significant societal challenges such as special education costs, school dropouts, juvenile delinquency, incarceration, poverty, and mental health problems. The article highlights that approximately 70% of students in some states fail to meet reading standards, with minority groups disproportionately affected. For instance, only 20% of Black readers are proficient compared to 40% of white readers. This literacy crisis not only impacts academic outcomes but also contributes to long-term economic disparities and psycho-social struggles.
The financial burden of this gap is substantial, with over $120 billion spent annually on special education, primarily due to reading difficulties like dyslexia. Despite these investments, students with dyslexia often struggle academically, dropping out at twice the rate of their peers and attending college at a fraction of the rate—only 5% compared to 60%. These challenges perpetuate cycles of poverty and limit lifetime earnings, as individuals without college degrees earn significantly less than their educated counterparts.
The societal implications extend beyond education into criminal justice systems. Research shows that poor literacy skills are linked to juvenile delinquency and incarceration rates. Half of prison inmates struggle with illiteracy, and nearly half of those with low literacy skills live in poverty. These statistics underscore the profound impact of literacy on individuals' lives and broader societal health and economic stability.
AI presents a transformative solution to these entrenched issues. Dysolve, an AI-powered system designed to address dyslexia, successfully improved reading outcomes for students, particularly those from underrepresented minority communities. Unlike traditional interventions that often fail for older struggling readers, Dysolve demonstrated measurable progress in a clinical trial involving low-income minorities. This innovation highlights the potential of AI to disrupt systemic educational barriers and improve literacy rates, ultimately fostering better academic, economic, and psycho-social outcomes.
The integration of AI in education could revolutionize how we tackle reading difficulties, offering hope for reducing disparities and enhancing societal well-being. By leveraging technology to address root causes of inequality, AI not only improves educational opportunities but also contributes to healthier communities by addressing the interconnections between literacy,
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Originally published on Psychology Today on 2/21/2026