America generously offers all citizens a free education. The purpose of providing a free education revolves around the fact that society needs educated people to function. However, it is unrealistic to think every citizen that receives an education will become academic equals after graduation. So, why does America spend countless amounts of money educating all of its citizens if all of them are not receiving equal benefits? America does not intend to produce highly skilled scientists, mathematicians, poets, and politicians, out of everyone. But, America does want to breed generations of law abiding, multi-dimensional, productive, and thoughtful citizens. In order to accomplish this paramount endeavor, America teachers must direct their attention on the core of education literacy.

Consequences of Poor Literacy Skills

Failure to teach students proper literacy skills can have severe consequences. The most obvious consequence involves student learning across the curriculum. Dr. Willard R. Dagget and Ted Hasselbring refer to reading as "the key enabler for academic proficiency" (2007, p.1). This assertion indicates that without proper reading skills students will surely struggle in all subject areas. In addition, students with low reading abilities "have difficulty being engaged in learning;" (Dagget& Hasselbring, 2007, p. 2) they simply cannot find the motivation and allow indifference to set in. Dagget & Hasselbring, (2007) also explain a gap exists between the reading abilities of high school and college graduates and the reading requirements of the workplace. In other words, students are not learning the specific skills they need to be effective in the work place. During a radio broadcast, Diane Rehm, (as cited by Schmoker 2007) indicates that most graduates cannot write well enough, and are not aware of the world around them. D.T. Conley, (as cited by Schmoker 2007) analyzed a study performed by the Association of American Colleges and Universities and found that poor literacy skills influenced a significant amount of college students to drop out. The consequences of denying students' access to critical thinking skills that are developed through reading, writing, and discussing will impact not only the individual's academic success and motivation, but the countries entire workforce.

Implementing Literacy Programs

The research has been done and the consequences are evident; it is necessary to begin implementing literacy

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