In a broad sense of the phrase, skills-based reading is a measurement of one's ability to read. This is not synonymous with reading for pleasure, though. It also includes the reader's ability to retain information, understand, locate, and reiterate main ideas within the reading, and the ability to "read between the lines" to understand a text's implied meanings. Skills-based reading is practical application of reading material, and may also be referred to as "reading comprehension."
Note: There is also a series of computer-based reading programs of the same name.
Skills-based reading, or lack thereof, has recently become a major concern for educators. Less that 100 years ago, English students were expected to understand most English texts at an early age, and learn classical languages such as Latin or Greek. Statistically, they comprehended far more than the average student does now. This is not to say that current students are incapable of comprehending large amounts of text; reading is simply not the necessity that it was before the invention of the television, Powerpoint and text messaging. Because of a lack of reading exposure, it is more difficult for students to develop reading skills. Thus, in the early 1980s, reading skills, as well as writing and arithmetic, became a major point of educational development for students.
Skills-based reading usually begins around kindergarten by teaching children the basics of reading: the alphabet, phonics, spelling. Shortly after kindergarten, children are introduced to simple short stories, and learn to use references such as encyclopedias and the dictionary to enrich their reading experience. Middle school introduces students to longer and more difficult stories, and potentially "easier" works of classical literature. Early high school curriculum almost always include Shakespeare, and late high school curriculum often include difficult metaphors and satire--Plato's "Cave," Dante's "Inferno," Swift's "A Modest Proposal." Colleges and universities generally assume that the ability to analyze and incorporate information is second nature to incoming students, though many colleges have remedial reading classes available.
Sometimes, even the directions found in a "do it yourself cabinet" kit can be convoluted and difficult. Reading skills help to analyze and make sense of pertinent information. Because the study and practice of business, law, assorted managerial positions or even works of literature require the ability to read, it is easy to see how skills based reading is absolutely necessary. Even simple, everyday acts like reading emails, newspapers or the aforementioned "do it yourself" instructions can require more advanced reading skills. It is certainly possible to get through life without large amounts of skills-based reading practice, but there will inevitably arise situations in which such skills are helpful.
Many programs are available for those with limited reading abilities. Charities often hold literacy tutoring sessions for children and adults. Probably the easiest way to brush up on reading skills, however, is to take a course at a college. Most colleges have classes designed to help individuals become better readers. An introductory literature or composition class can also help develop reading skills and comprehension. If either of these options cost too much money or take too much time, it is always possible to practice reading simply by picking up a book and doing it. Any type of reading requires some analysis of text, which is ultimately the practice of skills-based reading--even playing text-based video games can help utilize and exercise reading skills.