Commonly being illiterate is defined as the inability to read or write. This therefore encompasses those who cannot read signs on the street and lack necessary education. In today’s day and age it is difficult to be a functioning member of society when you are illiterate. Employers are less likely to hire you (if at all) and typically the pattern of illiteracy will continue in one’s family cycle. This means if children’s parents are illiterate, they are more likely to be illiterate themselves.
For those who are not illiterate in society it may be difficult to see how and why this affects you indivdually. As the article “Illiteracy Aid Found To Lag in District” states, those who are illiterate cannot contribute to society by means of a qualified job, and therefore the districts are losing valuable tax money. Those most likely to be illiterate in our society are defined by the article: “The largest group of illiterate individuals were those who did not complete high school or did not speak English when they entered high school” (Alexander). While many students do complete high school today, there are more immigrants coming to our country who may fall into the category of not speaking English until high school. The growing number of immigrants in our country could mean an increase in illiteracy, which is an issue that affects us all. It is important to have a well informed society that is literate, because being literate helps one function properly in society.
The article breifly addresses the issue of education in an academic setting versus having “street smarts”. While both are quite necessary in society, academic education is cheifly more important. This includes being literate and being able to communicate with other members of society. A stronger emphasis needs to be placed on students who entered high school not speaking English and those who are illiterate at an age when they should have mastered the basic reading skills. Schools need to place and divide more spending on these students who are struggling with literacy and provide them with qualified teachers and materials.
Illiteracy Aid Found To Lag In District
Keith L. Alexander
October 19, 2008
This article really hit me for some reason. The thought of living in a world where I could not read is absolutely terrifying to me. I would not only miss out on so many wonderful opportunities and experiences, but functioning in every day life would be made into a huge challenge. I think that it is so important that students be able to read. It is important for all students but especially those who are learning English as a second language. If they cannot read English it will greatly influence their ability to learn the language and communicate with their peers. I can only imagine what it would be like to not only not be able to read, but also not be able to understand the people around you. I completely agree that schools need to direct more of a focus on reading and literacy. It is such a huge part of the world we live in, and its importance is only increasing as time goes on. The technological resources for information are most often written/typed, and therefore useless if they cannot be read.
I really like the distinction you made between “street smarts” and educational intelligence. Although both important, there is a very broad line between the two, one in which bridging the gaps will take time, money, and more literate people. Most people, me included, have a tendency to ignore the issues of illiteracy and push it aside. However, as new immigrants are coming into our country and becoming citizens, it’s necessary, as you said, to educate them. More importantly, as future educators, especially in English, it is up to us to prepare the next generation. To guide them to some day lead our country and steer the next generation of people into the right direction! One way to do that is to crack down on the illiteracy rate in the United States and to create equal opportunity for education.
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