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A Comprehensive Approach to Improving Literacy in America

analytical Essay
2038 words
2038 words
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In the field of literary reform, there are many problems that arise causing the reformation to be stalled or even halted. In addition to these issues, there are a variety of stakeholders that play key roles in combating these smaller issues that inhibit action on the more pressing one. Through careful research practices and evaluation of actions that stakeholders have previously undergone, a solution that better embraces the mission of these organizations can arise. The Problems That Arise when Combating Illiteracy Rates in the US Although there are many programs in place with missions that include an aim to raise the rate of literacy in America, the number of effective programs is relatively slim. There are various challenges to educational and literacy development. In low-income communities the most prevalent obstacles to combating illiteracy are “the negative image on part of the educated and gainfully employed towards low-income communities” (Wadden & Fagan, n.d.). This creates a lack of understanding of the community which stems from baggage from school experiences, limited funds, single parent responsibilities, and a lack of identity with the more privileged community. Susan B. Neuman, a renowned faculty member at the Center for Improvement of Early Reading Achievement at the University of Michigan, states that the single biggest barrier to literacy development in the United States and beyond is access to books and educational material. “If we can solve the problem of access, we will be well on the road to realizing educational parity – a goal which has eluded the country for generations” (Book Trust, n.d.). Although this is a factor in the scheme of illiteracy, it is not necessarily the most important one. Research... ... middle of paper ... ...inable-business/ Von Zastrow, C. (2008, December 12). Changing the odds for children at risk: An interview with susan b. neuman. Retrieved from Learning First website: http://www.learningfirst.org/changing-odds-children-risk-interview-susan-b-neuman Wadden, M., & Fagan, B. (n.d.). Literacy development: A community perspective. Retrieved from Memorial University website: http://www.mun.ca/educ/faculty/mwatch/fall01/wadden-fagan.htm Waldfogel, J. (2012). The Role of Out-of-School Factors in the Literacy Problem. Literacy Challenges for the Twenty-First Century, 22(2), 39-49. Retrieved from http://futureofchildren.org/futureofchildren/publications/docs/22_02_03.pdf Waters, E. (2011, November 1). The roles of educational stakeholders and influencing factors. Retrieved from http://voices.yahoo.com/the-roles-educational-stakeholders-influencing-10343743.html?cat=4

In this essay, the author

  • Explains that in the field of literary reform, there are many problems that arise causing the reformation to be stalled or even halted. a solution that better embraces the mission of these organizations can arise.
  • Explains that there are many programs in place with missions that include an aim to raise the rate of literacy in america, but the number of effective programs is relatively slim.
  • Explains that the single biggest barrier to literacy development in the united states and beyond is access to books and educational material. the national academy of sciences' preventing reading difficulties in young children emphasizes the role of parents in promoting early literacy.
  • Explains that literacy gaps exist prior to children entering school, so the disparities must arise from conditions outside of schools — parents must realize and assume their roles as being one of the most important influencers of their young child's education.
  • Evaluates the effectiveness of programs like books on wheels, parents' roles interacting with teacher support, and playtime.
  • Explains that the enrich education program provides an opportunity for american citizens to benefit from being able to participate in everyday activities that involve literacy.
  • Argues that programs attempting to change the united states’ illiteracy rate have ill-equipped approaches to the issue at hand.
  • Explains that john w. kingdon, a specialist in american politics, stresses the importance of stakeholders and their influence over the success or failure of an organization.
  • Explains that the role of each stakeholder in a school district provides an integral part to the entire organization.
  • Explains that parent involvement is directly correlated to academic achievement, and that it is the number one predictor of early literacy success and failure.
  • Cites booktrust - inspiring kids' passion for reading. brooks, a. c., social entrepreneurship: a modern approach to social value creation.
  • Explains engaging stakeholders: including parents and the community to sustain improved reading outcomes.
  • Cites lyons, t. s., and fagan, b. on the role of out-of-school factors in the literacy problem.
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