Americans are not stupid.

Americans have been disenfranchised, undereducated and unsupported, because a populace that doesn’t trust itself to have understanding is a populace that is easily controlled.

It’s important to talk about illiteracy in America. It’s important to provide pathways and support for children and adults both who need support in improving their reading skills. It is also important not to fear monger while doing it.

All of this being said however, the often cited statistic of 21% of adult Americans being illiterate is a false one; the company that put out this number is a corporation that makes millions selling courses.

Literacy has always been a policy choice. Encouraging and helping to build the skills for reading builds confidence, independence and an opportunity for a further understanding. Why do you think literacy has been pushed aside by so many states?

By investing in full day pre-k classes, continuing education for teachers, a focus on phonics and the science of reading & by actually paying attention to students who needed more help with reading and PROVIDING that help.

In 2024 Mississippi went from 49th in the country for literacy to 9th overall. They did it by changing how we teach kids to read.