Reading is everything

Two recent stories highlight significant concerns in Southeast Missouri's public schools. One was about developing reading skills among young students. The other was a proposal to extend the school day at Cape Girardeau's Central High School to provide time for improving students' academic success. There is good evidence to suggest that part of the focus at the high school level should be on reading.

Statistics vary from report to report, but there are indications nationally that as many as one in five high school students either can't read or have low-level reading ability. Reading is emphasized in elementary grades because it is the most fundamental building block of a good education. Teach a student to read, and that student can tackle just about any subject.

It is shameful that any high school graduate would arrive at a prospective employer's doorstep unable to read an application form, much less fill it out. It happens far too often.

Despite the unsettling statistics about the reading, there is good news. Those who strive to improve literacy levels say this is a problem that can be licked. Teenagers and adults can learn to read, and when they do, their futures improve.

Students who struggle with reading need all the help they can get.

As school develop special programs for success, reading should be a top priority.