An "important" and "alarming" ( New York Times ) examination of why many American students are falling behind in their reading skills The traditional methods of reading instruction do not work, and they cannot continue. As a result of flawed educational pedagogy and insufficient teacher training, over half our children still read at a basic level, and few become highly proficient. Understanding exactly how children learn to read is more important than ever, and Seidenberg helps us do so by drawing on cutting-edge research in machine learning, linguistics, and early childhood development. In this revised edition, he also reflects on the positive impact of the "science of reading" movement--which he himself inspired--and explores overlooked opportunities to advance effective literacy education. Language at the Speed of Sight offers a science-based examination of this most human of activities, and concrete proposals for how our society can continue to produce better readers.