I hope you can read this...

I like to listen to talk radio. This morning I am delighted to report that the morning DJ, Bobby OJ, on AM1070-WDIA Memphis said that anyone who has ever seen the books a fifth grader reads knows that a fifth grade reading level is more than adequate for an adult.

This is the article the DJ was commenting on.

Parental Illiteracy Could Be Part of MCS [Memphis City Schools] Problems

FAST FACTS:

• One in three adults in Memphis cannot read above the fifth grade level.
• Studies show that parents who don't read well are likely to raise children who don't as well.
• The Memphis Literacy Council offers free reading classes.

Theo.Travers@wreg.com

(Memphis - 5/12/2008) One of the challenges the incoming superintendent will have to face extends beyond Memphis City Schools. Studies show that a parent's reading level to a large extent determines how well their children perform in school. Illiteracy among adults in Memphis is high. Nearly one in three adults in Memphis cannot read above a fifth grade level. According to the Memphis Literacy Council, that's more than 200,000 folks who struggle with filling out job applications, medical forms, and serve little to no help for their children with school work.

Debra Hall, the director of development and marketing for the Memphis Literacy Council says, "The problems with reading are not an isolated problem with one person, it's a generational problem. If parents don't read well, children are likely to not read well. They're likely to do worse in school."

Adult literacy is the big elephant in the room when it comes to improving the way schools perform. Raising the bar in the classroom means improving the reading skills of both students and their parents. "Whoever the new superintendent is is going to have to face the fact that for many children in the city school system, their parents are unable to help them with homework," says Hall.

The Memphis Literacy Council offers free classes to anyone over 18 who wants to improve their reading. Only a small percentage of the folks who need the help are taking advantage of this resource. So far, the Memphis Literacy Council does not have a formal partnership with Memphis City Schools, but they welcome joining efforts to combat this problem of illiteracy among adults.

The Memphis Literacy Council offers morning and evening classes six days a week. If you'd like more information, their number is (901) 327-6000.

I want to repeat the DJ said that a fifth grade reading level is all anyone really needs. Nothing like high expectations.

Internet4Classrooms lets you test yourself. Try it. It's an eyeopening experience. I had to look up what alliteration means.