Reeding in Amarika

This month the results of the PSAT exam will be delivered to the approximately 3.5 million high school students across the country who took the exam back in October.  The PSAT is a preliminary version of the familiar SATs, and it allows students to judge their strengths and weaknesses and help them plan for the SATs themselves.

Whether there will be much gnashing of teeth regarding the results is pretty much a rhetorical question.  Just last September 24th we were treated to the announcement that the SAT reading scores for the high school class of 2012 had dipped to a forty year low.  A majority of the test takers, some 57%, were deemed not prepared  enough to indicate much chance for success in college.*

Read 'em and Weep

Among the myriad statistics derived from the last tests were the usual breakdowns according to economic level and race.   These data are particularly  useful in pointing fingers at the appropriate socio-political sectors of America in order to distribute the much deserved blame and help explain the pathetic state of education in America.  And as has happened ever since the test results of American students began their inexorable decline (let’s see, shortly after massive federal government intervention in education wasn’t it?), there will be enough finger pointing to last one and all until the next abysmal test results are in.  And the new results will most assuredly show another decline as well.

Are we wrong in assuming that there can be no stronger basis for educational success than learning and mastering the written word at an early age (from 4 to 7 or 8 years generally)?  Instilling a love for reading and books is absolutely necessary for success, not only in school but in life.  There are few who would debate this but there also seem to be few in power who would do anything about it.   So the test results grow more dire with every round.  Is teaching reading skills such an elusive and difficult art that only a few in the public schools are capable of it?  Most homeschoolers and parents who have taken on the duty themselves know the answer to that question is a resounding “No way!”

We at the Paradigm Company are in a unique position when it comes to judging the possibilities for successful reading instruction.  We hear inspiring and wonderful stories of youngsters’ thrilling successes on an almost daily basis  and know that it can be done quickly, effectively, and inexpensively.  So why can’t the public schools do it?  Beats me, but I’m sure there are plenty of excuses to be heard from that quarter.

The loudest and most frequent excuse is, of course,  “We need more money for our children!”  Right.  In 1961, per student expenditure was $393 ($2,835 in current dollars) and it is now estimated to be $10.694.**  Four times more money spent for who knows how many times poorer results.  Those results aren’t just measured in SAT scores either, but in ruined opportunities and lives.  It is madness.

If you are reading this now you are probably on the right track with your kids.  If you have some young ones approaching reading age, or know someone who does, then please look into Alpha-Phonics.  It works and will put your child on the right side of the statistics.

Scroll on down to enter our Grand Drawing!