Student Reading Skills Remain Poor

According to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress report, reading skills among school children have shown little improvement over the past 17 years.

Specifically, fourth grade students scored 221 out of 500 in 2009, vs. 217 in 1992. Eighth graders scored 264 in 2009, vs. 260 in 1992. In both cases, the improvement amounted to less than one percent.

Reading is a critical skill in today's information-driven world. And, it is a prerequisite for good writing.