by Barbara Nuzum

Created on: January 30, 2010

Reading is an acquired skill that we must learn; it is not instinct.  But being able to read is vital to our economic and social survival. Reading is necessary to learn and share information in every aspect of our lives. Reading is the very first building block in any kind of learning. 

The importance of reading begins with elementary school and stretches over our entire lives. Success in primary schools is largely measured by the degree of reading skills. It soon becomes apparent that unless the child can read, it cannot absorb information in math, science, social studies. It is impossible to master a foreign language without being able to read; search the Internet for information; write a term paper in college; read and respond to a social invitation that came in the mail. You cannot even read signs along the freeway as you drive in your car. In fact, you probably couldn’t have passed the driver’s test!  Poor reading skills will also negatively influence any writing skills. Without reading, a person could not function well on any level.

A poor reader will not be able to reach a high level of education. This, in turn, will severely limit the choices of occupation. The poor reader that grew up with very few job opportunities will inevitably become part of the lower socio-economic population. Earning potential, if any, will be low.

The former poor reader in elementary school now is an adult and a parent, with a low-paying job. Resources are slim. Books are the last thing on this family’s shopping list. There is no Internet or newspaper. The only source of information or entertainment is most likely a TV that does not require reading skills. It is difficult for this parent to help the kids with the homework.  

A well-read individual will have a higher vocabulary and be able to communicate much better with family, friends, co-workers.  Kids that are born to parents with these skills usually fare better than those who are not.  Research indicates that a child that has developed cognitive skills during the pre-school years has a better chance of a successful life.

Research has shown that up to 25% of US adults read at the lowest literacy level. 1 in 5 adults is functionally illiterate. 60% of America’s inmates are illiterate and 85% of all juvenile delinquents are illiterate. 75% of unemployed adults in this country experience difficulty reading or writing.  These statistics indicate a direct connection between reading and success and may lead to economic and social failure.

 According to the US Department of Education, 68% of poor readers in 4th grade come from low-income families. And there is a 90% chance that a 1st grader with poor reading skills will read below the proficiency level by the end of 4th grade. Most of these kids could be saved by intervention, such as quality pre-school or remedial help during the first elementary grades.  Kids that learn to read well also perform better on a social level. Kids and adults alike that can show off a little bit of success can feel better about themselves. This, in turn, does affect our society as a whole. Children and Juveniles that grow up with a successful school career will have the tools to set goals for themselves; they will now be able to engage in worthwhile and stimulating activities that in time will lead to rewarding jobs and future productive members of our society.

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