November 23rd, 2009
A new report from the Birmingham News finds that 130 public high schools either failed reading or were classified as “borderline” failing, based on 11th-graders’ performance on the Alabama High School Graduation Exam. As if that isn’t bad enough, state educators estimate that at least half of Alabama students are “struggling readers,” defined as those who can’t read on grade level.
These statistics closely correlate with the number of students on free- or reduced-lunch plans, which is one measure of poverty.
To add insult to injury, kids who struggle with reading are frequently asked to leave school when they turn 16. That just continues the cycle of poverty. Instead, we should be creating a nurturing, supportive environment that recognizes that every child can and should learn how to read.
Read the complete analysis – and learn about possible solutions here.
Posted by Kristina Scott