Learn to Read; Reading to Learn

I read an interesting article the other day about why reading is the number one priority for teachers. The first academic responsibility of educators is to teach children to read well by the third grade. Up to third grade, children learn to read. After third grade, the children read to learn. If students do not learn how to read well, they will not be at the expected level of performance for their grade.

This not only harms the students learning abilities, but also majorly hinders their future in society. If the student does not fully develop their reading skills, they will struggle throughout middle school and high school. Their chances of dropping out are at a much higher rate compared to those with well developed reading skills. The article states, "Now reform-minded educators have realized that this lowest percentile must achieve grade level reading skills by second and third grade if these students are to achieve high academic standards in middle school and high school." The Children's Reading Foundation

With this in mind, I feel that educators in elementary schools should hold a certain level of accountability when they say they will have students reading at or above grade level. Our school systems need to make sure that when they pass a child onto the next grade, he or she is at that level or above it. Parents can also help children reach the level of performance they are supposed to be at. They can spend extra time at home helping them develop their skills. As an old quote in my elementary lunch room said "Kids Today, Leaders Tomorrow". We want to make sure that the future generation is educated to their highest potential since they are the future leaders of the world!