Illiteracy results in high rates of poverty, lower income levels, and an increased dependence on welfare. As quoted from the National Center for Education Statistics, “In 2003, 43% of adults with the lowest level of literacy skills were living in poverty.” Young illiterate adults cannot fill out job applications, or hold jobs that have any reading or writing requirements. Because of deficiencies in the work field, those with the lowest level of literacy skill earn approximately $240 per week, compared to $681 earned by those with the highest level of literacy skills, according to a study done by the National Institute for Literacy, 2003. 3 in 4 Americans adults on welfare are illiterate and are more likely to be a part of Medicaid and TANF programs (Coalition of Central Texas). Undoubtedly, children who go through elementary and middle school illiterate have reduced chances of escaping poverty beyond high school.
Also, children with illiterate back grounds have greater chances of committing crime. The probability for an illiterate to commit a crime as a result to poverty is great. High illiteracy rates play into high crime rates. 85% of all juveniles who interface with the juvenile court system are illiterate (National Assessment on Adult Literacy, 2003). Further studies suggest the 2 out of 3 students who cannot read effectively by the 4th grade will end up either on welfare, in jail, or both (Teri Vance, Literacy for Life). It is logical that those who suffer from illiteracy and poverty turn to crime to fulfill their needs and wants.
In addition, the cycle of illiteracy will surely be passed on to the next generation. Reading is a skill that holds profound importance in the lives of children and is vital to their success in school. Parents' literacy comprehension bears great weight in what level their children are reading at. Illiterate parents are less likely to read to their children, injuring their capability to develop basic literacy habits. A child without reading and writing skills is 3 to 4 times more likely to be a high school drop-out later in life (The State of Literacy In America). In reaction to the immense numbers of illiterate children becoming the product of illiterate homes, literacy programs need to be encouraged.
Viewing the opposition, federally funded literacy programs are protested against by those who are against Federal funding of state programs. Programs meant to decrease the illiteracy rate are also opposed by those who feel that these programs are not accomplishing their purpose. First, Federal and State funding are not the same. Federal funding of state programs is unconstitutional and provides less effective literacy improvement due to the generalizing of programs in the states. However, State funded and community/ministry based literacy programs fall in line with the Constitution, and provide better quality literacy programs, because each state understands the literacy needs within its cities. Secondly, whether or not literacy programs are making a difference on the national level, there are programs on the community level that are improving the futures of many low-income children.
One such community/ministry based program is the City Impact Reading Center. The Impact Reading Center is a State of the Art, intensive 9 week reading program that provides one on one tutoring for young readers. Dennis, a 1st grader from down-town Lincoln (fictional name created to protect the individual), was behind for his grade in reading when he was enrolled into the Impact Reading Center. But with the help of his volunteer tutor provided to him through the program he was able to increase three reading levels, putting him ahead of his classmates in reading ability. In addition to receiving better grades, Dennis became a leader in his classroom, gained confidence in himself, and started reading to his little sister. Dennis is now in the 5th grade and doing well in his studies thanks to the existence of the Impact Reading Center. Dennis is not the only inner city child who has been impacted by a community based literacy improvement center. Many other children are continuously invested into and given the help they need to improve their literacy and advance their level of learning.
Children of illiterate parents, many from low-income homes and surrounded by criminal influence, are in danger of becoming illiterate themselves, rising their chances of dropping out of high school, becoming poverty stricken and possibly committing their own crime(s). Illiteracy starts at a young age, but illiterate youths' reading and writing ability can be improved by effective, child focused, state and community based literacy programs.
Work Cited
Bowman, Todd, Dir. Impact Reading Center. City Impact: Film. <08 Nov 2010>.
Bridgeland, John M., John J. Dilulio, Jr., and Karen Burke Morison. “The Silent Epidemic.” Civic
Enterprises March. 2006: 31-iii. Web. 8 Nov 2010. <http://www.civicenterprises.net/pdfs/thesilentepidemic3-06.pdf>.
Coalition of Central Texas. “Why Should We Care? The Impact of Low Literacy on The Community.” Literacy Coalition of Central Texas. N.p., 2007. Web. 8 Nov 2010. <http://www.willread.org/Why-Should-We-Care-The-Impact-of-Low-Literacy-on-the- Community.html>.
“Illiteracy: The Downfall of American Society.” Education Portal (2007): n. pag. Web. 8 Nov 2010. <http://education-portal.com/articles/Illiteracy:_The_Downfall_of_American_Society.html>.
“The National Institute For Literacy – Stats and Resources.” National Assesment of Adult Literacy. (2008): n. pag. Web. 8 Nov 2010. <http://www.caliteracy.org/naal.>.
Vance, Terri. “Literacy For Life.” Nevada Appeal (2009): n. pag. Web. 8 Nov 2010
