Uncover groundbreaking research revealing a startling truth: third-grade virtual school students consistently outperform their traditional counterparts in reading.

In "America's Embarrassing Reading Crisis: What We Learned From COVID," Dr. Lisa Hassler delves into pivotal data supporting the efficacy of online learning, particularly when integrated with the Theory of Transactional Distance (TD), to bolster literacy rates. As a leading researcher, Dr. Hassler not only spearheaded this award-winning study but also applied TD theory in her own second-grade classroom, across various learning environments, yielding remarkable success. She asserts that acquiring online teaching and learning skills is invaluable for all educators, regardless of their instructional setting, as these skills are transferrable and enhance student outcomes.

Leveraging her experience as both an educator and a parent, Dr. Hassler offers practical strategies and a comprehensive guide for educational leaders, teachers, and parents alike. This book serves as a rallying cry, emphasizing the pressing need to tackle America's reading crisis, especially considering that over 80 percent of high school dropouts struggle with reading by third grade. Armed with this knowledge, we can collectively strive for a future where every child has the chance to excel academically and realize their innate potential.