The problem and extent of illiteracy is focused on in the article “Illiteracy ‘bigger problem’ than thought”. The area being focused on is the Northern territory, where students who are a part of a reading program have reading skills that are lacking. Tess Lea, a professor, discusses and describes the National Accelerated Literacy Program and how it is effecting the students.
Tess’s research explains suprising statistics of the number of students who struggle with reading in comparison with where they should be: “We had about 2,000 students enter the program last year that could not read at all…more than 350 of these students were aged 12 and older” (Lea). It is frustrating for educators to hear of this many students who should be able to read but cannot. It is also hard on the students whom likely wish they were more capable readers but are being deprived in some way of successful and challenging reading material. Lea’s statistics throughout the article show that the students in the program are capable of obtaining knowledge and learning, it is simply a matter of doing so.
Lea states an important point in the article. She claims that students who are below the literacy level are missing out on important life oppurtunities. This is a statement many would agree with because students can not progress to higher levels of learning unless they have achieved the necessary basics. It is important that the issue is addressed and certainly an important article for the news. Teachers, parents, and all other people important in children’s lives need to realize the problem of illiteracy and the great damage it can cause. Lea’s article touches on one place and one program but it is clearly not the only place facing the problem of illiteracy.
Illiteracy ‘bigger problem’ than thought
Tess Lea
8 September 2008
Honestly, I had absolutely no idea that illiteracy within in the United States was so high particularly in Alaska. I guess it makes sense but has me wondering how it happens. Every child should be going through stages of school, preschool, kindergarten, first grade, etc. so where is the link in this chain lacking? You brought up some very key points in your blog, especially the necessity of building blocks, if someone doesn’t have the basics they obviously can’t move to a higher level of work. I guess I am asking a lot of questions but one question I do have for you is whether or not you think teachers are obligated to pause their curriculum plans in order to teach their students how to read and write? Obviously there are pros and cons to this situation, but I think the pros will outweigh the cons in the long run!