What if schools focused on reading instruction?

From last weeks meeting with our new superintendent, I gathered that Dems in my state are redesigning and pushing for things like: “ensuring more rigor in course work for disadvantage kids” and “having creative equity”.
When I asked the question, does anyone here know how many 4th graders are proficient in English, no one know the answer. When I told them, that only 36% of our nations 4th graders were proficient, everyone’s mouth opened.
This paper produced by a Harvard student is by for the most enlightening paper ever!  And I have to share it because it gives insight into the problems of our current education system.  Little has really changed since the 1930s.
Anyway, I stood up gave the audience my story in 3 seconds and then I asked our new superintendent if she has what it takes to lead the districts.  I asked her if she has what “Trump” has — chutzpah.  In other words, can she set a goal for increasing literacy and then taking the risk to implementing it.  And whether she can stay collaborative in the face of politics or whether she would be controversial.  Then, I went and sat down. And she proceeded to explain. Tho, it takes a lot out me to stand before an audience so I really didn’t listen. I caught my breath.  We shall see what this Latina sister can do in the coming years.
I would like to see more emphasis on reading instruction in the early grades and less focus on STEM and technology. If schools did this, we would close the gap on academic success and see more kids across the board succeeding.