Is there anything being done?

Literacy has been the primary instructional force in the elementary grades K–3, but until recently, literacy at the secondary level was not looked at as an area of focus. Research has indicated that in the last few years adolescent literacy has gained more attention as policy makers and educators realize that reading and writing are critical as students’ transition in and out of high school. There have been several initiatives after the Bush Administration took an interest in the education of our youth. One of the most affective apporches has been the one developed by the National Literacy Foundation in 2005. The goal of this researched-based
project is to improve the reading and writing success of middle and high school students (Irvin, 2005). The National Literacy Project provides educators with the necessary
support and professional development that will lead to improved literacy education school wide.
The model is based on three over arching goals for the educational system to increase literacy for high school students. The three goals are:

1. student motivation, engagement, and achievement
2. integrating literacy and learning across content-area classrooms and through the use of literacy interventions
3. sustaining literacy development by including the school environment, parents and the community, and the district

Irvin, Meltzer, Dukes, (2007). Taking Action on Adolescent Literacy. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

The Statistics Don't Lie

Literacy is key to students understanding and achievement in the classroom. It is not only the basic tool to be successful in school, but also in the work force. Yet it is being mistaken that reading, writing, speaking, and thinking skills developed in elementary school and middle school are enough to carry the students through high school and beyond. The effect being seen from poor literacy is plummeting test scores, high drop out rates, and students unprepared for higher education and the work force. According to the data collected by the OECD, (Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development), in 1998, 49.6% of adults in the U.S. were at a low literacy rate. The Alliance for Excellent Education estimates that 8 million students in middle school and high school read below grade level (Joftus, 2002). A study released February of last year by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows the decline of reading scores of 12th graders in the U.S. Between the years of 1992 and 2005, reading scores have decreased six percentage points landing the literacy rate among high school seniors at a low thirty five percent. With the percentages the way that they are, it is becoming more apparent the urgent need to incorporate reading instruction into classrooms at the secondary level.


Joftus, S. (2002) Every child a graduate: A framework for an excellent education for all middle and high school students. Washington, DC: Alliance for Excellent Education.