Success in adulthood...

...starts with good early reading skills.
We've all heard it before - if you don't catch a problem by third grade, you've got a problem. Hence the relief when a parent brings me a child in 1st, 2nd, or even 3rd grade, and says - "I think we need some help. Our reading seems to be falling behind..." The Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Project released a report today titled "Early Warning: Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters." I encourage to read this report and learn more on the subject. You can access the full report at http://www.aecf.org/ . The bottom line is this: Up until, and partly through, the third grade - students are "learning to read." After this point, they must "read to learn." If students are not reading proficiently, they cannot master the curriculum in their fourth grade and beyond classrooms, textbooks, etc. due to that barrier that the lack of reading skills puts up. How can I understand my science material or even begin to work out a math reasoning problem if I am struggling to fluently read the words in each sentence?? Much less fluently read a paragraph or passage? It is logical, and we must strive as parents, as educators, as communities to help. I encourage to seek help for your child if they are struggling with reading - be that through the school system, through a an outreach organization, or through a private tutor or tutoring center. Research the help that you receive and ensure that it is fast paced and effective - you need to see a good track record. If you are involved with an adult or older student who is struggling with reading, it is never too late to seek assistance and assistance is out there!
If your family or your "circle" is not struggling with reading, I would encourage to get out there and volunteer to help someone who is!! It's not as hard as you'd think, and training is available to you. If we do not help our students with reading, it far too easy for them to end up on the fast track to drop out of school entirely. It is up to all of us to keep this from happening. Ok. I think I'm finished with my soap box for today. Go read something to your children and have a blessed day.