The ability to read is considered one of the essential basic competencies, without which active societal participation and a fulfilling life are not possible. However, empirical surveys in recent years have shown that German schools are not succeeding in imparting this reading competence to a satisfactory degree. In the first part of this study, a model for promoting reading competence in schools is developed based on the literacy and cultural studies concepts of reading competence, as well as empirical findings from reading literacy and reading socialization research. This concept not only incorporates German lessons into reading promotion but is also designed to be interdisciplinary. The second part emphasizes the role that social science education plays.