Literacy and Reading in our Society

Christine Golden, LMSHolbrook Junior Senior High School

Essential Question #1

How does reading ability affect the

individual?

Personal Need to Read

Expand general knowledge Sustain employment Make informed decisions Develop into a well rounded individual Keep active in a print laden society Be informed on current events and issues Fully participate in functions of everyday

life Enjoy the great works of the past Reach your highest intellectual potential

Economic Need to Read

***To advance in education and employment

Median weekly earnings in 2011 for varying education levels:

Source: www.bls.gov

Degree Weekly Earnings

Doctorate Degree $ 1551

Professional Degree $ 1665

Master’s Degree $ 1263

Bachelor’s Degree $ 1053

Associate’s Degree $ 768

Some college/no degree

$ 719

High school diploma

$ 638

Less than high school diploma

$ 451

Docto

rate

Prof

ession

al D

e...

Mas

ters

Bach

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's

Asso

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e

Som

e Col

lege

HS Dip

lom

a

No HS

Diplo

ma

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

1,800

Average Weekly Salary in Dollars for 2011

Source: www.bls.gov

Essential Question #2

How does reading ability affect society?

How does Reading Ability affect Society?

“A nation that does not read much does not know much. And a nation that does not know much is more likely to make poor choices in the home, the marketplace, the jury box, and the voting booth. And those decisions ultimately affect the entire nation...the literate and illiterate.” ― Jim Trelease

U.S. Unemployment Rates in 2011 by Education Level

Doctorate Degree 2.5%

Professional Degree 2.1%

Master’s Degree 3.5%

Bachelor’s Degree 4.5%

Associate’s Degree 6.2%

Some College, no degree

7.7%

High School Diploma 8.3%

Less than High School Diploma

12.4%

Source: www.bls.gov

Social Consequences of Low Literacy

In March 2007, Canadian researchers conducted studies to determine what connections, if any, there were between literacy and crime.

The study defined literacy as “the ability to understand and use printed information in daily activities”, and was conducted over an 18 month period through the National Office of Literacy and Learning, Human Resources and Social Development Canada.

Findings:

“Literacy Equals Crime Prevention”“Raising literacy rates in the community contributes to reducing crime and lowering recidivism.”

“Criminal offenders have lower average literacy levels than the general population.”

“Neighborhoods with lower literacy levels have higher crime rates.” “Witnesses with low literacy need help to communicate effectively in giving

a report or testifying later.” “Literacy programs in prisons have resulted in positive outcomes (such as

being able to maintain employment) and reduced rates of re-offending”

Source: http://policeabc.ca/why-target-crime-with-literacy.html

Technology and Reading Motivation

“Yes, students are much more motivated to work through a medium with which they are familiar. For the most part, students (in my experience) appear to much prefer a digital lesson or online resource as opposed to "analog" learning (i.e. textbooks, handouts, etc.) Not only are they learning about the subject matter, but many students enjoy learning about new technology” Crystal DeCorte, Holbrook Jr. Sr. High School, Holbrook, MA

Educator’s Perspective: Does technology motivate students to read?

“Technology motivates my students to be more engaged. The best teaching/learning experience I have had was creating a web quest and watching my students complete it. They are very interactive and though they require a lot of prep work from the teacher are rewarding.” Stephanie Russo, English teacher, Holbrook Jr. Sr. High School

Technology and Reading Motivation

What is the preferred method of reading forstudents?

Research Survey conducted at Holbrook Jr. Sr. High School, Holbrook, MA

February 2013

Population: 107 students in grades 7-8 Question: You are given an assignment to read S.E.

Hinton’s The Outsiders. You are given the option of reading in paper or electronic format. Which do you choose?

Technology and Reading Motivation

PrintElectronic

Findings:Preferred method of reading was print, 59 students favored print while 48 favored reading electronically.

Technology and Reading Motivation

Considerations for Print Readers

Like the feel of paper pages and holding a book

Hassle to plug in and keep electronic readers charged

Fear of theft Eyes hurt after prolonged

exposure to the screen Easier to open a page than

glide through pages electronically

Too many distractions with electronic devices

Comfort with what is familiar

Considerations of Electronic Readers

Convenient to access on a phone or IPod

No fear of losing books Can access read aloud

feature Can access dictionary feature Don’t have to carry

cumbersome books

Technology and Reading Motivation

Has investing in technology led to increased reading abilities?

Research inconclusive due to: changing technologies time needed to gather results longitudinal studies lag behind the

evolution rate of technology Source:

http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/content/cntareas/reading/li300.htm

References

"Why Target Crime With Literacy?“ www.policeabc.ca. Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, 2008. Web. 13 Feb. 2013.

Holum, Ann, Ph.D, and Jan Gahala, MA. "Critical Issue: Using Technology to Enhance Literacy Instruction." Www.ncrel.org. National Committee for Research and Technology, 2001. Web. 14 Feb. 2013.

Russo, Stephanie. Personal Interview. 10 February 2013 Trelease, Jim. The Read-aloud Handbook. Harmondsworth, Middlesex, England: Penguin, 1982. Print.

DeCorte, Crystal. Personal Interview. 12 February 2013."Education Pays." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. United States Department of Labor, 28 Jan. 2013. Web. 10 Feb. 2013.

"Visibility @ Your Library » Talking Points: Why We Need Libraries." Visibility @ Your Library » Talking Points: Why We Need Libraries. American Library Association, 2007. Web. 10 Feb. 2013