With all the knowledge, research, and educational improvements made, why do American students continue to struggle with reading comprehension? For over a decade, educators and leaders across the United States have been researching and implementing initiatives to improve reading comprehension for all students across race, socio-economic, and gender groups. In this work, the reasons why reading comprehension problems exist in America were researched. This study examined the causes and effects of low-literacy scores, and what it could mean to the future of American citizens. Factors that contributed to low reading comprehension levels were identified. Strategies that included building background knowledge for students and increasing teacher efficacy to help improve reading comprehension levels were explored. Student achievement would not improve unless teachers and leaders significantly enhance their own practices (Wagner et al., 2006). Implementing coaching cycles to increase teacher efficacy could lead to students' achievement in reading comprehension. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]