One of the most common questions asked of literacy councils everywhere is, “Why are there so many Americans who cannot read? Why are we failing to educate people “the first-time around?” Certainly, in Midland we have a solid economy, very good schools, and outstanding community support for education, cultural & arts organizations, and social services.
So why is 1 out of 10 Midland County residents
functionally illiterate?
Here are a few answers:
- People struggle in school because of undiagnosed learning disabilities or visual difficulties. Children with disabilities are often very bright, and they learn to cope with or hide their academic problems. This is particularly true of students with dyslexia, which affects 1 out of every 5 people.
- Sadly, childhood trauma, such as illness or domestic violence, has a long-lasting effect on literacy. Children who lack security, health and support, do not acquire the literacy skills they need in school.
- Sporadic attendance at school can lead to low literacy levels.
- The link between poverty and illiteracy is undeniable. Children are very likely to live in poverty if their parents did not graduate from high school. Children whose parents cannot read or do homework with them are very likely to struggle in school.
- In today’s increasingly mobile society, many students move to another school during the school year. In areas of high rent and economic hardship, some districts are experiencing exceedingly high turnover of their enrolled population each year.
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