Day: December 2, 2025

Low reading levels have severe consequences across multiple aspects of life, including poorer educational outcomes, limited employment opportunities, worse health, higher rates of involvement with the criminal justice system, and negative impacts on mental health and social participation. Individuals with low literacy often struggle to navigate daily tasks, lack confidence, and can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and low literacy in their own families. Educational and economic consequences Lower educational attainment:Individuals with low reading skills are less likely to complete high school or attend college. Limited job prospects:Low literacy is linked…

December 5, 2024 Literacy goes far beyond the ability to read a book or write a letter. Illiteracy can cause immeasurable damage to an individual’s emotional and intellectual development, and often limits a person’s ability to achieve a fulfilling and successful adult life. Strong literacy aligns with the ways that individuals learn and socially interact. It forms the foundation for a lifetime of communication with family, peers, and employers. Ensuring strong reading and writing skills in the early stages of a child’s development is vitally important to preventing problems later…

Let’s get right to the point: Literacy—or the lack thereof—is a big issue in the United States. Those who lack basic literacy skills (not to mention more comprehensive reading, writing, and critical thinking capabilities) are too often left behind, compelled to either drop out of school or pass through with hopes and plans unfulfilled. Of course, the lack of adequate literacy skills is not just a problem for individuals; it is also a major concern for society as a whole. Take a look at the list below. Twenty-five percent of childrenin the…

Ellier Leng April 29, 2024 It goes without saying that literacy is one of the most important skills to possess in this day and age. Reading literacy isn’t just about decoding words, it is the foundation of a child’s future opportunities and social advancements. As you’re reading this article, it’s easy to overlook the privilege of literacy that allows us to understand and engage with written text. Yet, around the globe, countless adults lack this fundamental skill, unable to read beyond basic levels. Statistics reveal that in the US alone,…

Instructional Coaching Helping students build their identities as readers and explicitly teaching the mechanics of reading can yield big gains across grade levels. By Alissa Alteri Shea July 22, 2024 Teaching children how to read is one of the most important tasks we undertake as educators in elementary school. Being able to read efficiently opens up opportunities for all children to succeed in school, in work, and in serving our communities. It is more than just about good instruction: It is a social justice issue that begins in our schools. Last…