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The United States needs to battle the literacy crisis
Andrea Robertson
Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: Opinion
The literacy crisis continues to be an ongoing issue in the United States. As reported by the National Adult Literacy Survey, "42 million adult Americans can't read; 50 million can recognize so few printed words they are limited to a 4th or 5th grade reading level; one out of every four teenagers drops out of high school, and those who graduate, one out of every four has the equivalent or less of an eighth grade education."
As the wealthiest and most powerful nation in the world, the United States should not have such low levels of literacy.
The millions of adults who are illiterate face severe setbacks in society. Because they can't read, they are unable to conduct many day-to-day activities. In an ABC news report, 45-year-old Monica Baxley explains the hardships she has endured due to her inability to read. She wasn't able to vote in elections, because she couldn't read the ballot; she wasn't able to go to the doctor, because she feared filling out a medical form; she wasn't able to do anything that involved the written word. Because of her limited word skills and the embarrassment of illiteracy, Baxley has been forced to miss much of what the world has to offer.
This issue isn't new news. In 1955, Author Rudolf Flesch began to publicly acknowledge the literacy crisis in his book "Why Can't Johnny Read." It criticized the parents, the teachers and the schools for not promoting literacy. If we knew illiteracy was a major concern then, why hasn't more been done to correct the situation?
Considering that one in four high school students drop out, it's no wonder that the level of literacy is so low. Parents need to begin reading with their children at a young age. They should take time to find activities that will keep their children interested in learning. With rumors circulating that a Bachelor's degree is the new high school diploma, to be competitive, children need to be reaching higher levels of literacy than before.
We are all very fortunate to be able to read, and I think that we take that for granted. Illiteracy is a crisis in America that isn't going to correct itself. We should all make a better effort to promote reading in our nation. We can begin by working at home and in the community to promote literacy amongst all of our citizens. Read to your nieces and nephews. Volunteer to read to children, and even adults. Until more people have the ability to read and understand the written word, then and only then will we be able to reach our full potential as a nation.
This writer can be contacted at opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.
As the wealthiest and most powerful nation in the world, the United States should not have such low levels of literacy.
The millions of adults who are illiterate face severe setbacks in society. Because they can't read, they are unable to conduct many day-to-day activities. In an ABC news report, 45-year-old Monica Baxley explains the hardships she has endured due to her inability to read. She wasn't able to vote in elections, because she couldn't read the ballot; she wasn't able to go to the doctor, because she feared filling out a medical form; she wasn't able to do anything that involved the written word. Because of her limited word skills and the embarrassment of illiteracy, Baxley has been forced to miss much of what the world has to offer.
This issue isn't new news. In 1955, Author Rudolf Flesch began to publicly acknowledge the literacy crisis in his book "Why Can't Johnny Read." It criticized the parents, the teachers and the schools for not promoting literacy. If we knew illiteracy was a major concern then, why hasn't more been done to correct the situation?
Considering that one in four high school students drop out, it's no wonder that the level of literacy is so low. Parents need to begin reading with their children at a young age. They should take time to find activities that will keep their children interested in learning. With rumors circulating that a Bachelor's degree is the new high school diploma, to be competitive, children need to be reaching higher levels of literacy than before.
We are all very fortunate to be able to read, and I think that we take that for granted. Illiteracy is a crisis in America that isn't going to correct itself. We should all make a better effort to promote reading in our nation. We can begin by working at home and in the community to promote literacy amongst all of our citizens. Read to your nieces and nephews. Volunteer to read to children, and even adults. Until more people have the ability to read and understand the written word, then and only then will we be able to reach our full potential as a nation.
This writer can be contacted at opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
J
posted 11/20/08 @ 1:26 PM EST
You mean to tell me in 42 years this lady couldn't chew up her pride (what little she might have) and go down to the local library to ask the librarian if they would possibly teach her how to read. (Continued…)
Britney
Britney
posted 11/21/08 @ 9:50 AM EST
It's actually really sad to say but, I dated a guy who couldn't read. He use to bring his mail over to my house so that I could help him go through it. (Continued…)
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