The Triangle

Issue date: 1/30/09 Section: Ed-Op

Media Credit: Zbigniew Bzdak Chicago Tribune/MCT

As President Obama launches his historic administration, talk of stimulating economic growth through a massive investment in infrastructure has focused on roads, bridges and other construction projects.

While there is no doubt that such an investment in these "shovel-ready" projects are necessary and will put millions of people to work, investment in another infrastructure that can pay even bigger dividends is being ignored - the ability to read.

Indeed, that issue should be at the very top of his educational agenda.

America faces a serious literacy challenge.  The U.S. Department of Education estimates one-third of the nation's students enter ninth grade with reading skills two or more years below their grade level.

Shockingly, 28 percent of 12th-grade public school students - an estimated 800,000 - scored below the basic level on the National Assessment of Education Progress 2002 reading assessment, meaning they did not demonstrate an overall understanding and make correct interpretation of texts they were asked to read.

The trend is alarming, and the consequences can be dire.  A recent study from the National Center for Education Statistics found that one in seven adults - approximately 32 million - have such poor reading skills that they cannot read a simple story to children, much less read important healthcare forms, financial information, or materials at work that would help advance their careers.

In an increasingly global and technology-driven work environment, we must ensure a highly-skilled, qualified workforce to ensure jobs with family-sustaining wages, to reduce the cost of production and increase the return on investment, and to remain innovative and competitive.

The best way our nation can address this structural deficit in our literacy and our economy is to establish a love of reading in children early in life so they're ready and willing to learn. 

Parents are the most important and influential people in a child's life, and they are in the best possible position to help children learn to read and love it.  We all must do more to ensure parents have the tools they need to instill a love for reading in their children - and, in many instances, help them to learn to read as well. 

If parents would spend just 20 minutes a day for three days a week reading to - and with - their children, it would make a tremendous difference in their reading and their education.

Government leaders at every level must invest in reading programs as part of the much-needed reforms of our schools.  Parents also must invest more of their time in helping their children learn to read - and read well. 

Obama's selection of Chicago Schools Superintendent Arne Duncan as the new secretary of education rates an A+ as the first step in reforming our reading education efforts - both in the classroom and at home.

Much is at stake for our society in today's fiercely competitive world. The ability to read well is the foundation for learning and thinking critically - two of the most vital factors for a successful life both in the workplace and at home.

As we begin a new political era, it's time to redouble our efforts to promote reading for a lifetime of fulfillment.



Judy Harris is an alumnus of the 1997 graduating class. She can be reached at op-ed@thetriangle.org.

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