Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope. Kofi Annan

What do you know about literacy in America?  Before I became a teacher, I thought everyone could read as well as I could.  That concept was untrue then, and it certainly is untrue now. Take a look at these startling reading statistics regarding reading and Americans: 

The Nation

• In a study of literacy among 20 ‘high income’ countries; US ranked 12th
• Illiteracy has become such a serious problem in our country that 44 million adults are now unable to read a simple story to their children
• 50% of adults cannot read a book written at an eighth grade level
• 45 million are functionally illiterate and read below a 5th grade level
• 44% of the American adults do not read a book in a year
• 6 out of 10 households do not buy a single book in a year

The Economy

• 3 out of 4 people on welfare can’t read
• 20% of Americans read below the level needed to earn a living wage
• 50% of the unemployed between the ages of 16 and 21 cannot read well enough to be considered functionally literate
• Between 46 and 51% of American adults have an income well below the poverty level because of their inability to read
• Illiteracy costs American taxpayers an estimated $20 billion each year
• School dropouts cost our nation $240 billion in social service expenditures and lost tax revenues

Impact on Society:

• 3 out of 5 people in American prisons can’t read
• To determine how many prison beds will be needed in future years, some states actually base part of their projection on how well current elementary students are performing on reading tests
• 85% of juvenile offenders have problems reading
• Approximately 50% of Americans read so poorly that they are unable to perform simple tasks such as reading prescription drug labels

(Source: National Institute for Literacy, National Center for Adult Literacy, The Literacy Company, U.S. Census Bureau)  http://literacyprojectfoundation.org/community/statistics/

So, what can just one person do to improve reading in America? 

You can read to a child.  You can help to instill a love and appreciation of reading into a child's mind. You can read to a child with a silly voice and animation!  You can talk about the magic of reading, and how reading can transport the reader into the limitless territory of the imagination! You can model the example of a reader.

I have been reading GRADY GETS GLASSES to classrooms around Pennsylvania, and I love the excitement and exuberance I see for the book- and for READING!  (Yes, I am a very animated presenter - English/Theater teacher.)

EVERYONE can be a reading teacher.  Everyone can help to promote literacy. For our society to be better, we must create better readers - in our homes, at schools, and in other venues.  Are you interested in being a volunteer literacy coach?  You can do that, too!  

Literacy affects every thread of the fabric of our society, and we must all work together to improve our nation's collective reading scores, our economics, our society, and our lives. 

Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom. Check them out!  http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER.  Many colleges have made the book required reading. 
Signed copies are available  www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics. 

I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired! 

Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book.  I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading.  Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com .  The website www.gradygetsglasses.com IS UP AND RUNNING!!!.  Signed copies ARE available!  Coloring books and Grady plush toys are ordered! 

Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl 

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Dede is the co-host of The Total Education Q & A, which can be heard on Blogtalk Radio at www.blogtalkradio.com/totaltutor