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Almost daily, there are disturbing reports about the rising problems of illiteracy. Politicians, business leaders, community organizations and parents all struggle to cope with its adverse and growing effects on society.
According to research by Time magazine, the national high school drop out rate is an alarming 30% -- and a staggering 50% for Hispanic and African American students.
The U.S. Department of Education issued its Reading Report Card stating that 68% of our nation's fourth graders were not able to read at a proficient fourth grade level. At-risk youth, low-income children, and minorities are even more behind.
The inability to effectively read, write and learn does more than put its victims behind in school. Self-conscious, and often emotionally upset by the situation, children with low literacy skills often act in ways that are harmful to themselves and others. A study by the Institute of Justice found that 85% of all juvenile offenders have problems with reading, writing and basic math.
The American Library Association estimated that illiteracy costs the U.S. more than $225 Billion annually in crime, welfare payments, lost taxes, job incompetence and remedial education.
At the bottom of this is not "bad politics" or "bad philosophy", nor is it a bad economic system, tax code or lack of opportunity. What has been lost in the years of finger-pointing and blame is the search for -- and discovery -- of a simple answer.
If people want to be productive, they need to understand the world and the opportunities that it presents. To do this, they must be able to learn. To learn, one must be able to read.
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