"...Think of the impact on our global economy when you can't read and dropout of school - business and industry lose $730 billion each year in lost wages and taxes. Health literacy has also become a huge concern: not being able to read prescriptions or Medicaid forms has significant consequences. Dropouts are more than eight times as likely to be in prison where 70% of inmates are at the lowest levels of literacy. It is remarkable that, in 2010, 80 million American adults are functionally illiterate. Borad Member Reid Lyon nailed when he said that reading failure is not just an education problem: it is a social, health and economic problem.
We feel privileged to work with educators and school leaders trying to reach those most vulnerable. When 58% of children enter kindergarten not ready to read, we know we have to start early. We have known for years that 75% of children not reading in third grade cocntinue to have difficulties in ninth grade..."
The statistics are grim for the continuing level of illiteracy in our country and the lives of people who cannot read are often crippled, not to mention the costs to society.
Thankfully, the research-based clinical help and programs they provide to learners of all ages and teachers have changed the lives of many people of all ages in Vermont and beyond.
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