what can we do...?

Question

what can we do to stop illiteracy (or even partial illiteracy (like when ppl can only read at a 4th or 5th gr. level))

do u think the government can enforce any laws that could possibly get ppl "literate"?

Answer 1

I think that we need to go back to the basics in elementary school. In my state we have content standards that each grade level and subject must cover. The number of standards in elementary school are three times the number in high school. I material in high school goes more in depth than that of elementary, but there are students in high school that can not read a simple paragraph or complete a simple arithmatic problem. We need to teach reading, writing and arithmatic the first and then, when the students have shown mastery of these skills, we can introduce the more complex curriculum.
As for the government inforcing laws, I don't see a way to accurately check a persons literacy. Tests can be manipulated or a person can cheat.

Answer 2

One thing I can do is to always write correctly and use NO slang or shortened versions of words in my posts.

Illiteracy is sometimes a choice made by the learner.

In other countries besides the 'western world', the illiteracy levels are determined by a lack of educational opportunities, In some villages for example, there are NO schools. Literacy is a 'ticket' into a better wage earning possibility, so many third world areas long for a higher literacy rate.

In Europe and America, it is not the government's responsibility to make sure that all kids are literate, it is the parents' responsibility to keep the kid fed and healthy and willing to learn. There are plenty of schools in all areas of these contintents, so every kid can go to school.

Rare are the cases where poverty is the real reason for an illiterate child.