“As many as 60 million individuals risk being left behind, burdened by low self-esteem, subjected to low expectations, and diminished in their ability to pursue their dreams due to reading LD.”
– James H. Wendorf, NCLD Executive Director
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics
(2008), 38% of fourth graders nationally cannot read at a basic level – that is, they cannot read and understand a short paragraph similar to that in a children’s book.
Substantial research supported by NICHD shows clearly that without systematic, focused, and intensive interventions, the majority of children rarely “catch up.” Failure to develop basic reading skills by age nine predicts a lifetime of illiteracy.
Professional Diagnosis Early Intervention Computerized Programs Consistent Intervention Parental Involvement Teacher Involvement
Despite decades of efforts, our test scores are not improving.
Reading Statistics Total percent of U.S. population that has specific reading disorders
15%
Total percentage of American adults who can’t understand the labels on their prescriptions
46%
Total percentage of U.S. adults who are unable to read an 8th grade level book
50%
Total number of U.S. inmates that are literate
15%