EQUITY in education begins with effective reading instruction for ALL students

Illiteracy costs the U.S. approximately $300.8 billion per year.

The impacts of the literacy crisis are felt in all areas of our society. Low literacy levels undermine our country’s economic competitiveness costing the US approximately $300.8 billion per year.

Literacy is the foundation of a child’s educational journey. It lays the groundwork for all future academic development; however, 66% of our nation’s fourth graders are reading at a basic or below basic level. Kids of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds are struggling to read. Families with resources will spend thousands of dollars to have their child’s reading difficulties remediated through private tutoring and schooling. But this issue cuts across race and class and low-income children are affected the most. Using a structured literacy approach, based on the science of how kids learn to read, works for nearly ALL children. Good core literacy instruction matters for ALL students but is critically important for those who do not have financial resources for private tutoring.

Literacy

  • is a key factor in breaking the generational cycle of poverty.

  • enables one to gain access to information.

  • provides access to better employment opportunities.

  • is necessary to access health information and leads to better healthcare and longer lifespan.

  • is necessary to engage in the political process and advocate for your rights.

  • provides access to transportation.

  • is a pathway to citizenship.

  • and so much more…