How to Support Struggling Readers - Without Adding Extra Stress

3>What role should technology play in supporting struggling readers?

Technology serves as a valuable scaffold when used strategically to provide access and practice without replacing explicit instruction. Audiobooks paired with text help build fluency and allow students to experience complex content beyond their independent decoding level. Text-to-speech tools can reduce cognitive load during content-area reading, letting students focus on comprehension. Speech-to-text helps separate composition skills from transcription challenges. Adaptive reading programs can provide individualized practice between instructional sessions. However, technology should supplement—not substitute for—direct teacher instruction, relationship-building, and authentic reading experiences with physical books. The most effective use of technology provides access to content students couldn't otherwise engage with while building the skills they need to eventually access that content independently. For more guidance, see our article on using AI responsibly in the classroom.