Let's be honest about it
Literacy is a big problem, right here in Marion County. Ask a school teacher to share with you, in all honesty, if there are illiterate students in school. Some have reported that students graduate from high school without the ability to read a newspaper.
A friend confided that he purchased a new piece of equipment for a valued employee to use. The worker was thrilled to have the new equipment, but when handed the instruction book it became evident he couldn't read. The employer had to read it for him, aloud.
Distressing was the news that the Voice of Democracy essay contest, sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, will be audio taped this year. Instead of writing essays, students will supply them on tape.
The Newspaper Association of America Foundation has awarded grants totaling $50,000 to encourage student newspapers. NAA hopes to revive student newspapers in secondary schools.
It's a worthy goal.
Again, in all honesty, ask a teacher if they know of students who graduated from high school without the ability to read. They can "pick out words," but can't grasp information from the printed page.
It's little wonder that voters elect politicians who lead us in the wrong direction. Voters aren't informed. Many can't or don't read. Both are bad.
— BILL MEYER
