Programs

201. "Empowering Parents" visits schools in Huntingtown, Maryland, and Portland, Oregon, to help families identify early signs of reading problems and find ideas for getting their kids the help and support they need.

202 "Becoming Bilingual" examines the challenges of teaching children to read in a new language. This show visits schools and programs in six cities across the country to learn about the different ways schools are working to create bilingual readers.

301 "Reading and the Brain" explores how brain scientists are working to solve the puzzle of why some children struggle to read and others don't. Startling new research shows the answer may lie in how a child's brain is wired from birth. Based on the latest research findings Reading Rockets: Launching Young Readers incorporates the latest research and features the country’s top reading experts.

401. "A Chance to Read" For generations, too many people assumed that children with disabilities couldn’t learn to read — so they never gave them a chance. Hosted by Molly Ringwald, "A Chance to Read" looks at the reading challenges facing kids with disabilities and what schools across the country are doing to help them find success. In New Mexico, Minnesota, Georgia, and Texas, we’ll meet the amazing kids, parents, researchers, and teachers who are working to eliminate “assumicide” and give every child a chance to read.

The series takes viewers inside homes, classrooms, and research centers to show what works in helping kids learn how to read, particularly those who struggle with mastering what is ultimately a life altering skill.

The programs were filmed in more than 40 elementary schools, preschools, and community centers in 17 states.

TWETA is the flagship public broadcasting station in the nation’s capital. Its productions and co-productions include The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, Washington Week with Gwen Ifill and National Journal, the On Stage performance series, and documentaries by filmmaker Ken Burns, including The Civil War and Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson.