READING FACTS

1. Learning to read is not a natural process that just happens on its own. Research has shown that reading doesn't just develop when a child is "ready or mature" enough.

2. Children are not going to learn to read by just having someone read to them. They must learn the component skills necessary for reading.

3. For all but a few children, learning to read requires explicit instruction. Early systematic phonemic based instruction should be available to children before first grade. (National Reading Panel Report, April 2000)

4. Research has shown that the 4-6 year old age range is the sweet spot for teaching reading. Beyond the age of 6 or 7, teaching the child to read is simply a game of catch up.

5. Reading difficulty is a problem that extends across the socioeconomic strata. ( American Federation of Teachers)

6. Learning to read early is crucial, because those who do poorly in the early grades are unlikely to catch up. ( Scientific American, March 2002)

7. 2 our of every 5 children are poor readers.(National Institute of Health)

8. If a child is a poor reader by the end of first grade, there is a 90% probability they will be a poor reader by the end of 4th grade. ( Public Library Association)

9. Nearly 40% of all 4th graders have not mastered basic reading skills. (Council for Basic Education)

10. 5% of children learn to read with ease. 20-30% learn to read with relative ease after they begin some form of formalized instruction. 60% have difficulty after given instruction. (Council for Basic Education)