Chase Corbitt 

English Composition II 

Professor Hammett 

Essay 1 Argument Proposal 

13 March 2023 

Word Count: (1045)

 

How to Prevent Illiteracy in America 

        A major problem within modern society that is commonly overlooked is the illiteracy rate in America.  There are countless studies that prove that the American educational system is failing at the one job it was created to do, educate its citizens. According to the United States Department of Education, over “72 million adults aged eighteen to sixty-five, are illiterate or functionally illiterate” (Johnson 1). That means that roughly 30% of Americans in this age range cannot do simple tasks such as read the labels on a prescription bottle of medication, read an owner's manual, or fill out a job application (1). Dealing with this growing issue is something that has been debated and argued over for decades, yet still no progress has been made. It is an issue that needs to be addressed appropriately and effectively. In order to effectively combat illiteracy in America, there needs to be policies made that prioritize early childhood education, promoting a culture of reading and writing, and expanding adult literacy programs.  

      Prioritizing early childhood education and development is crucial for dropping the illiteracy rate. Research has shown that the early years of a child’s life have a significant impact on their cognitive abilities (“Challenging Behaviors and the Role of Preschool Education” 1). According to a study done by the National Institute for Early Education Research, they found that, “High-quality preschool education that includes an emphasis on children’s social development can reduce rates of challenging behaviors and serve as a long-term protective factor for children at risk for developing challenging behaviors” (1). Being academically involved in a preschooler’s life can have notable improvements in a child’s development (1). Investments in reading capabilities in preschoolers have shown to improve their reading and writing skills (2). Therefore, this should be greatly encouraged, and policies and programs should be put in place to give easy access to and encourage parents to place their preschoolers in early education programs.  

     Promoting a culture that encourages individuals to develop a love for learning and language can help foster a lifelong commitment to reading and writing. To promote a culture of reading and writing, policymakers, educators, and community leaders can support initiatives such as public library programs, literacy campaigns, and book clubs. This can improve not only reading and writing abilities but can also improve critical thinking and creativity skills that can be used throughout one’s day (Grolnick 240). Parents should be heavily involved in the child’s learning, and they should model for them the importance of literacy through intentional acts such as reading books together, telling bedtime stories, and frequent visits to a local library. All these activities can grow a love to read and a love to learn in children.  

      Another approach to take when combating the illiteracy rate is expanding adult literacy programs.  These should be widely publicized and encouraged.  Considering that the current school system is essentially a monopoly as far as delivering educational services, policymakers should incorporate different programs that focus on reading, language, and writing (Smith 12). According to the National Center for Education Statistics, “an estimated 36 million adults in the United States struggle with basic literacy skills, which can have a significant impact on their ability to find and keep jobs, navigate daily tasks, and participate fully in society" (“Adult Literacy in the United States” 1).  Adult literacy programs can provide adults with necessary support through various resources such as one-on-one tutoring, computer-based learning programs, and group sessions to enhance their reading and writing skills (1). These programs should be expanded especially into neighborhoods with lower income rates, poverty, and low access to academic support.  Providing targeted support to disadvantaged and underserved communities is a method that should be focused on.  

       The materials being taught within schools should be evaluated on a yearly basis. Teachers should evaluate the materials being taught and teach it in a way that is best understood by students. To effectively do so, each teacher should attempt to reach out to students in special ways to connect to each student. With a teacher being involved and having a good relationship with a student, it can urge them to want to learn more and read more. Therefore, schools should also aim for lower class sizes to make it easier for the teacher to connect with the students. Teachers should also keep in mind how long and what they are spending their time on teaching students. Reading and writing should be prioritized within a classroom and should bleed into any subject being taught.   

       Lastly, and ideally, the most important and influential impact in a child’s life are their parents. Early education starts with the parents. Children often look up to their parents and the example that is set by them. According to a study conducted in the 90’s, when mothers were more heavily involved in their child's education, “results for mothers revealed significant paths from perceived competence and control understanding to school grades. In addition, a marginally significant direct path from Behavior to school grades emerged” (Grolnick 246). Data shows that students can perform better within school when encouraged by the example set by their parents (248). Students are more likely to succeed and excel academically when there is direct parental involvement in their learning. Parents should also regularly communicate with their child’s teachers, to most effectively connect to the child through parent-teacher conferences. These are best used to assess a child’s current academic abilities and what to focus on for the specific child.  

        To summarize, it is important to remember that everyone learns differently, retains knowledge differently, and has different interests and needs. The best way to effectively lower the illiteracy rate is to have parents' involvement at a young age in education, emphasize a culture that has foundational focus on language and learning, expanding adult literacy programs, and for teachers to learn the most effective ways of teaching children.  Raising awareness for illiteracy in America is an option that should be pursued as well. It is a topic that is not discussed or understood enough. Raising awareness will cause more policies, programs, and support centers to grow and help with reading struggles. America needs an evaluation of its educational status and needs to have a reflection on what works for kids and adults to learn.