Literacy
International Literacy Day
International Literacy Day, on September 8th, is an opportunity to renew our dedication to the importance of literacy and education for everyone. It is also a good time to think about the value of adult role models for our youth.
According to The International Reading Association, it is estimated that, “860 million of the world’s adults do not know how to read or write, and that more than 100 million children lack access to education”. With the high rate of illiterate adults around the world, how are we setting a good example for our youth?
Where is the National Concern about the Literacy Gender Gap?
A recent study, published in the journal Gender Issues, is once again bringing national focus upon the significant literacy gap between US male and female students. According to the article, United Press International reports that compared with girls, "U.S. boys have lower rates of literacy, lower grades and engagement in school, and higher drop-out rates." Judith Kleinfeld, who administered the study, told UPI that girls "do better in school because they develop verbal skills so much more easily, while boys recognize spatial differences so much more easily than girls. Boys need different things in school-- much more activity, less time sitting at a desk and different types of reading-- than girls."
