Why Don't American Middle Schools and High Schools Teach Speed Reading?

Speed reading has been a controversial topic in education, with many proponents and critics arguing over its benefits and drawbacks. Many schools prefer to focus on traditional reading methods, which they believe foster a deeper understanding of the material. However, the absence of speed reading instruction in American middle schools and high schools raises questions about the approach these institutions take towards teaching reading skills.

Reading Comprehension and Speed Reading

While speed reading can be an effective tool for quickly absorbing large amounts of text, it often requires a high level of pre-existing knowledge or quick comprehension skills. For those who are not already skilled readers, the technique can lead to the loss of important information. Just as fast-forwarding through a TV episode allows you to miss crucial details, fast reading can result in you missing out on important nuances of the text.

A Personal Experience with Speed Reading

I remember learning to read early on and always feeling confident in my ability to read quickly while still comprehending well. During my early teenage years, I took a speed reading course, where I was taught faster reading techniques. While I did well with the speed reading, I soon realized that the pleasure and comprehension I derived from normal reading was much greater. After returning to my normal reading speed, I once again enjoyed reading as I had before. Even now, in my later years, although my normal reading speed has slowed a bit, I still find satisfaction in the meaning and enjoyment of my reading.

The Incongruity with Advanced and Normal Curricula

Speed reading techniques don't easily fit into either advanced classes such as Honors or Advanced Placement (AP) courses, nor do they align with the minimal curriculum of 'normal' classes. The 'normal' class curriculum is so basic that adding advanced reading techniques would be perceived as too much for students in these classes. As for AP courses, while some students may choose to use speed reading if they find it beneficial, it does not allow for the depth of analysis that critical or annotative reading methods provide. In fact, the ability to identify key phrases effectively requires a different, more detailed approach.

The Importance of Proper Reading Techniques

Teaching students 'tricks' to read quickly isn't the same as teaching them how to read effectively. There are methods to enhance reading efficiency, but these are not shortcuts to understanding. Incorrect methods of speed reading could hinder the development of proper reading habits and comprehension skills. The speed at which one reads is far less important than their ability to comprehend and retain the information read.

Reading is not about consuming words as quickly as possible; it is about understanding and appreciating the content. Focusing solely on speed without focusing on comprehension can lead to a superficial understanding of the material, which is detrimental to students' overall academic performance.

Conclusion

The decision to exclude speed reading from the curriculum of American middle schools and high schools reflects the approach to teaching reading that prioritizes depth of understanding over a rapid pace of consumption. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to improving reading skills, ensuring that students develop a balance between speed and comprehension is crucial for their long-term academic success.