We have an epidemic of non-readers in our country and it’s by our own hand. We have failed to effectively and efficiently teach the kids who need the most teaching and with whom we can make the greatest gains.
The research shows that 2% – 5% of the total school population (INCLUDING Special Education students and English Language Learners) can learn to read, even though with some kids, learning to read might be the toughest thing they’ll do.
The bottom line? 95-98% of the kids in this country can be taught to read, but they aren’t and we aren’t.