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Imagine what your life would be like if you couldn't read. How would you order from a menu or understand food labels in a grocery store? How would you find your way around in an unfamiliar city? What would you do when presented with forms at the doctor's office? The short answer is, you'd ask for help. But ask anyone who struggles with reading as an adult, and they'll tell you it's not easy to admit they need assistance with something that seems so basic to many people.
The people I've spoken with for this show have told me the reaction they fear from strangers when they ask for help is the incredulous question, "Can't you read?" Illiteracy comes with a social stigma. Many adults who never learned to read in school carry painful memories of being ridiculed by their fellow students. Yet, 11 million adults in the U.S. were not literate in English as of 2003 when the National Assessment of Adult Literacy conducted their most recent study.
Did you learn to read as an adult? What was that like? Do you work with adults who are struggling with literacy? What works and what doesn't?
GUESTS:
- Sergio Suarez
- Archie Hendricks
Tagged as: as we are · education · special education
Photo credit: stephendl /flickr/ Creative Commons
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Jastev,
"Why did illiterate adults not learn to read as children" will be among the first questions we ask.
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This issue comes down to personal responsibility; individuals need to step up and take classes or whatever is needed to become literate. I wonder how many just thought school was a big party where you played sports and ran after the girls (or boys) but refused to study. It all comes home to roost. Now you are an adult and can't get a job - whose fault is it?
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As a current literacy teacher and former GED teacher, I can say from experience that the reason most people are illiterate has nearly nothing to do with not taking school seriously or considering it a "big party", but more to do with learning disabilities, being discouraged by teasing, having prolonged illness, or being torn away from education because of other responsibilities- like taking care of children or working. Schools graduate students who are illerate or very poor readers. Personal responsibility is a small piece of the larger puzzle of literacy.
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Dyslexia is the reason why most people cannot read, and these illiterate adults were the victim of the Whole-Language hijack that happened more than 30 years ago. When schools nationwide, switched from phonics based teaching in the elementary schools to Whole-language, they automatically could not reach 20% of the student population. Twenty percent of people cannot learn to read through whole-language.
Whole-language learning is memorizing or guessing at the words that are associated with pictures. Phonics is learning the sounds associated with each letter and then learning to blend those sounds together.
Many states are converting back to phonics-based elementary education EXCEPT for Oregon. Oregon has their head in the sand when it comes to Dyslexia. States like Texas, WA, Kentucky, Hawaii, all have state laws regarding dyslexia.
Parents like me have been battleing the schools on this issue for years, only to be turned a deaf ear.
Thanks for having this on Thin OUt Loud.
Jennifer M. Pultz
971-409-0233
Portland Oregon
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As a child with dyslexia, I found that association with images and context helped me with understanding the formation of a word far more than phonetic applications.
As a young adult, assisting in a special ed classroom after college I found that the dyslexic student I worked with learned best the same way I did. In fact, his pattern was so similar to mine it was uncanny.
I still have a painfully hard time with math...a number has no context 86 and 68 can easily be twisted around without knowing it's wrong, but no and on mean such different things in the context of a sentence that the brain self corrects to give the word the right meaning.
While I know that as a parent of a child with a learning disability is hard, one thing I'm sure you understand, learning patterns are so different. What works for one student won't for another...I think perhaps rather than demonizing the "whole-learning" system, you may want to focus your efforts on helping your child's teacher(s) work with him or her based on your observations of how best to teach your child.
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We don't all take the same prescription medicine (Whew!) and neither does the same approach work well for all kids.
For kids who need puh-hone-icks, great: use that approach. English is not really a phonetic language, but if nothing else works, try it.
For a lot of kids, whole language works great.
For a fair number of kids, learning to read is a brief episode which usually happens before schools will even accept them. For those kids, phonics is frustrating.
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I am a physician who sees the impact that limited literacy has on patients, families, and communities on a daily basis. With 43% of US adults testing at the basic or below basic reading level on the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, one would think that the healthcare sector would be moving quickly to try to address a low "health literacy" epidemic that is estimated to add $73 billion in excess health care spending. While there is a growing movement to educate healthcare personnel about this issue, low "health literacy" remains a truly hidden epidemic in the healthcare sector. With renewed interest in reforming healthcare, we need to look to improving the literacy skills of the population, beginning in Kindergarten.
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I'm interested in your comment, but not exactly sure what "health literacy" means. Is it just a basic lack of awareness of a healthy lifestyle? Or literally a literacy problem that leads to health problems because, say, people have difficulty reading the directions on medicine?
More specifiically, can you give us examples of the kind of impact you see on a daily basis?
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Agreed, except don't wait until kindergarden.
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Being able to read, and what one reads, shapes our worldview. Having recently reread "1984", I was reminded how we are being shaped and molded by a real "Big Brother", who, as the book reveals, isn't one individual. Our quality Newspapers have become copies of the "Nation Inquirer" or closed altogether because they dared to do effective, investigative reporting. The TV and Newspapers have become controlled "repeaters" of misinformation. They entertain and frighten rather than inform, passing on mostly useless fluff. They have begun to regularly use "Newspeak", with phrases like "War on Terror", or "Toxic Assets"! Recently I heard Penguins called "Gay", or calling He a She when referring to surgically altered humans. Life styles of narcissistic entertainers become accepted by the masses. Voters elect Presidents based on TV infomercials and slanderous advertising. Yet there is no single payer health system or end to "the war on Terror". Where is this "Hope" now? If we spent out time reading, we'd be in a much better place. But we also must make sure our educational system does not become duped into accepting the society of "1984".
PS-I grew up left handed, dyslexic and with ADD. But reading is too important to have excuses not to keep trying and succeed!
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Very good points made here. I am particularly interested in the left handed syndrome so highly misunderstood and not believed by many (as I too am left handed as an artist and astronomer.) It is actually a biological fact. The current modern medical science believed and accepted is that this occurs at 6 weeks after conception in the fetal stage. High testosterone presence in the mother’s amniotic fluid causes the left hand side of the brain growth to suppress. When I was hired to teach in a university we as new faculty were put through a class on the human brain and learned this.
Left-handers have a slightly larger right brain, for visual creative thinking, abstract thought, multitasking, etc, but are often plagued with other disorders. If Einstein were here today (left handed as was Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and are Wozniak, Jobs, Gates, most presidents and leaders, they would be shown to be ADD, and yes a little arrogant and even narcissistic (over or self awareness) Left handed also runs higher in twins and more so in female twins. Many people are forced to change to right handed, a severe mistake on parents and teachers part.
Educators in schools need to know this about their students. Encourage them to read with other interests as an incentive.
*And oh yes! I read most of the dictionary for fun at age 8. Read the World Book Encyclopedia in high school study hall from A ~ Z in a term. My parents were artists and read allot.
Mark Seibold, Artist-Astronomy Teacher, Portland Oregon
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Working in the restaurant industry many of my coworkers are from countries where they did not have the chance to learn to read (in english, and sometimes in any language).
I was wondering if your guests had any advice on how to offer assistance to coworkers who might struggle with language. Thus far I have resisted so as not to embarrass my friends, but I know they are passed up for better positions without the necessary reading skills. Are there any local (to Portland) resources I can post in the break room? Any other suggestions for how to connect my friends with ways to build reading and language skills without hurting their feelings?
Thanks!
-Robyn
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Please give info as to how reading tutors can connect with non-readers.
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I'm not sure there's a central place, but many community colleges take tutors. Here are a few programs:
Portland Community College
Mount Hood Community College
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Hi, I'm Carly Benus I'm individual who did not learn how to read untill I was 22. I am now 50 years old have BA in Adult Education with emphasis in learning disabilities & MA in counseling. I live in Hood River, OR. I use a muli-senory reading program designed for individuals with reading challenges. This reading program I been trained in does work for spanish speaking individuals.
If you want more information please call at (541) 386-4720.
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Emily, the number of illiterate people will increase rapidly if the United States as a whole doesn't come to grips with the deteroration of public education across the nation. The school districts have been bleeding money significantly for over a decade and no one seems to notice, at least enough to do anything about it. Having been a teacher of early primary students for 33 years, I have seen requirements for further education be placed on teachers, having to be paid for by them personally, while salaries have failed to keep pace. I was 50 years old with a Master's Degree in Education and 90 credit hours beyond that before I made $50,000 a year. Then, many times the districts would have to make cuts in the teachers' budgets for the following year and I personally spent $7,000 on materials for my kindergarten classroom within a three year period. NO other monies were available. If my students were to be successful, I had to step up to the bar. If this, along with the stresses of knowing if they will continue to have a job, due to cutbacks, continues, there will not be people willing to go into the education fields. Being noble and wanting to educate the world does not put food on the teacher's families' table. Neither does it provide shelter. I know one dedicated male teacher who rented for 17 years after he began teaching before they could purchase a home -- and this in a rural area of Washington where the costs are not so high as urban areas. Something has to change. People need to start paying attention to what is happening. Please, for the sake of all our children, start watching what is happening and look for solutions to pay for our children's education!!
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I recently served on a jury in criminal court. The defendant was a 50 something illiterate man with the vocabulary of an 8 or 9 year old. I’m certain he didn’t understand much of what the officer was saying to him when he was read his rights or when he asked to take a field sobriety test and later a breathalyzer. It was nearly impossible for him to understand what the attorneys were saying to him. Did justice serve him well? How could it have? These questions will haunt me for the rest of my life.
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Asking your guests if their parents read to them is a good question, but for parents, that is only the first step. Reading to children is important but it's not enough. Equally important is modelling reading in the house. Children need to see their parents, older siblings and teachers read for pleasure - whether it's a novel, a newspaper or even a comic book. Also, children need to see connections between the world and what's read to him so that they know the words in a book have concrete meanings. For example, if you read a story about a duck, then the next time you see a duck you should remind the child about the story. Finally, after you read a story, you should immediately ask questions about the text or start a conversation about it. All of these things are necessary for developing strong readers.
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I don't disagree, however, learning disabilities often run in families. How can you read to your kids if you can't read? Many social problems are caused by inter-generational poverty and illiteracy.
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I think Jerry needs to improve HIS education. He does not recognize the social issues behind Sergio and Archie's struggle with literacy. Sergio and Archie; you guys are smart and articulate. I'm impressed with your courage for sharing your story.
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Jerry? I don't see anything by Jerry above.
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Multnomah County Library has literacy services:
on the library site, click on "services", then " life skills/literacy"
or
http://www.multcolib.org/services/literacy/ -
Thank you Judith! These are the kinds of resources I was hoping for =)
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Also, Portland Literacy Council has a directory for those interested in tutoring:
http://www.portlandliteracy.org/tutors.html
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I feel sorry for these guys. Especially, Sergio. People have to be willing to want it so bad like Malcolm X, he was self taught and he was a light-skinned black man. Color or demographic location is no excuse for a grown man not learning to read.
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It is so important to have family support to learn to read. I had a very difficult time learning to read in elementary school. I would see my family, my mom, dad, brothers and sisters always reading. After dinner a typical family watches tv, not ours. We lounged in the living room curled up on the couch or the rug reading our favorite book at the moment. I would get books for birthday presents and Christmas too. With all this, I felt I have to read well, it is expected. At first it was a chore, then it began to come easily, and then I began to enjoy it. Now, I am 24 and read 2 to 3 novels a week. I love it. I feel like I am transported to another world or time. I enjoy reading the newspaper and magazine articles. It is an entertainment I could not live without. I was extremely proud of myself when I finished "Les Miserables" and acutally enjoyed it. When I was 16, I never would of thought I would read something like that.
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A few minutes ago, your guest gave an amazingly graceful response to the post implying that illiteracy was a matter of personal irresponsibility. Both of your guests described chaotic childhoods in which issues of survival (health in one case, fear in the other) quite understandably took precedence over school. To imply that illiteracy is due to irresponsibility is insensitive at best. I commend your guest on his even-handed response, and I wish both of your guests the best of luck as they continue to expand their skills.
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Illiteracy is an "invisible shame" that haunts many throughout their lives. As a photojournalist I had occasion to work on a piece for a national magazine about a chef in Atlanta who was coming out with a new cookbook - a sort of a Julia Child meets soul food volume.
The man and I became friends and over the course of a few months - over lunch -the author confided to me that he was functionally illiterate.
As I laughed I saw the look in his eyes..and he was crying.
My new friend never learned to read or write and here he was - a published author!
He had a "background collaborator" who wrote the text of the book as the chef spoke.
Soon after our lunch, my friend found a mentor who over the course of a year, and taught him to both read and write.
Flashing forward several years, my friend came out with a new cookbook....one that he had written solely by himself.
He now mentors illiterate adults in Atlanta.
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First of all, I think it's amazing that these guys showed up today to share this experience. I think a lot of us take our literacy for granted, and I cannot even begin to imagine how hard it must be to navigate in this world without the ability to read. I think it's an amazing feat that they are applying for and holding jobs, faking it, driving to new places, operating machinery... Just think about how important words are in completing these tasks require... and they're doing it without being able to read! WOW!
I think it's even more incredible that they are at this adult age, making the effort to learn, and swallowing their pride.
These gentlemen should be congratulated.
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My husband had difficulty reading as a child. His parents were told he was retarded. He is actually very intelligent and developed coping skills that got him through school and into college where he was finally diagnosed with dyslexia. He eventually graduated from law school and reads very well, but it's only been since our daughter was born and he began reading aloud to her that he reads aloud fluently. When we first met, it was painful to listen. I'm very proud of him and your guests.
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A very important topic so detrimental to necessary communications. I commend Emily for this discussion today as this spans all parts of our society.
I was listening earlier but could not get to a phone or computer. I am particularly interested as one mentioned dyslexia.
Not to stray too far from the general discussion here but many people are not aware that dyslexia can be unknown and hidden for many years as we forget to ask or test the student for it. Also this much unknown aspect of it: It runs higher in *left handed people. Also this: Left handed people by biological fact have higher skills in the arts, shown to have higher IQ and genius level. Also better multi-taskers.
See the Wikipedia online Encyclopedia for a good introduction. Many difficult students have been shown to be left handed yet the greatest achievers in history: Most presidents are left handed, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Einstein, Feynman, Pauling, Gates, Jobs, Wozniak, etc.
Mark Seibold, Artist-Astronomy Teacher (Left Handed)
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Since dyslexia is so common, why don't public schools test and have regular programs to assist children/youth? Once I had to arrange over $2,000 to pay for an outside program to assist a foster child who had been diagnosed through external testing. This issue affects so many children, it is quite common and seems to be not addressed in our public schools.
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The school district decides what teaching tools are used or the head of the department decides what reading program is used. This is what I been told. Reading programs designed for dyslexia are costly. It makes me sad the money is not out there to afford them. Thats why I got trained in teaching a reading programs desiged to help people like me.
If you want to talk futher call me . Carly Benus Hood River,Or.
(541) 386-4720
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Someone told me once that people who cannot read have honed other skills, such as observing people closely, using various strategies to find out what they need to know to do a job or get around. They are VERY brave. We should remember that for most of history, very few people could read and they used these skills of observation. People used to have to remember lots of poetry, stories, Bible verses and church services -- think of how their brains worked that are so different from our word-information drenched society. They had the focus we often lack.
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The schools don't do anyone any favors by pushing kids along by age instead of skill. We heard how frustrating classes were for the guests.
Mix up ages generally, and much of any potential stigma goes away:
imagine a room where people gather who are having a hard time learning to read. Some of them are young kids. Some could be the guests on this show.
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I'm a 7th grade special education teacher. I work with kids who can't read. Usually they are so frustrated they won't make much of an attempt to use their class time to learn. What would your guests say to these young people. How can I help motivate them to try to learn. Its tough during adolescence.
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Hi, This is Carly Benus I am individual who has a learning disabilty and have taught children & adults to read for 15 years. When I lived in AZ I helped teachers in their classrooms and gave lectures to future teachers. Distractions is a big problem in classrooms today. Its helpful if the teachers wear sold color shirts and prints on bottom like skirts. Only post ear rings. Do not have your finger nails painted a bright color. Do not have color distractions where are standing when teaching. Do not talk to fast. Do not have treats full of surgar. If possiable have your whole class sit on balance balls. The goal is keep your student present.
When I present materical to a class, in a lecture setting or one on one I use a muli- sensory approach. I would pass out worksheets ,record on a tape what the worksheet said or have a peer link up with student that can read. Then have students talk about materical in small groups. Oh, You might have another student write down what the student who can't spell would like on their handout. Hey, another idea would be is have an older student from a different grade come in to help. It may be important for the class to the understand people all learn differently. If you like me come class to talk to your class I could see what I can do.
If you like to talk futher call me at (541) 3864720. I live in Hood River, OR.
I hope these ideas will help you! Carly
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When I was in University during the early 80's we hand wrote all of our in class finals and mid-terms. Many Professors would not be kind on tests with someone that (outside of a disability) could not spell. These were Bachelor level courses. Others let them through the system.
Students that attended school prior to the use of computers. I've learned is that, some who were able to write papers by type-writer or hand could not use a spell checker to take for granted. WE like our information now, but I find that those who have a very healthy balance with technology, enjoy books and do read...again setting aside (disabilites).
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As the parent of two dyslexic children, I feel for your guests. My husband and I work very hard to advocate for our children and pay for extra tutoring so our children will be able to read and write. Our schools in Portland STILL don't deal with learning disabilities in an affective way. There are two resources I can recommend for people with reading difficulties - Language Skills Therapy and The Blosser Center. I don't know if they help adults, but they would know where to send a person for help. Also, ORBIDA, the Oregon Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, is a great resource at ORBIDA.org. There are also various assistive technologies available for those who don't read or write or who don't read or write well. Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic provide audio books and especially audio text books. Dragon Speaking Naturally is a voice recognition software program that can be used by non-readers--with some assistance getting it setup. I realize all of this information is in print........part of the problem.
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I found this morning's discussion fascinating and tried to call in but the lines were too busy. I tutor K-adult levels in reading, spelling and writing. Most of my students are 6 to 8 years of age, as that is when these problems are hopefully discovered and remediated. However, I have several 5th grade students, a 9th grader and some adults as well. I absolutely love what I do and the rewards are all in seeing my students progress and learn to love reading and writing. The true joy is seeing the self esteem issues turn into pride and joy. If anyone is interested in tutoring assistance please check out my website: www.TheReadingToolkit.com or call me at 971-207-6600. I offer sliding scale as well. I live in SE Portland, Oregon.
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I also tutor individuals with learning disabilities. It's important for all of you to know I have a learning disabilty. Right now I having a challege typing on this pale yellow screen so please bear with me. My name Carly Benus, I have been helping adults and children for now 15 years. I use the reading program from Scotish Rite hospital which is located in Dallas, Texas. Also, I use two other programs. Once a client finds a patteron in the reading program sometimes the person's survial skills kick in. THis reading program helped me to be able to attend college. I have a BA. in Adult Education with emphasis in learning disabilities and MA. I love helping people so they have more options in their life.
I live in Hood River, OR. My phone number is (541) 386-4720.
Please feel free to call me.
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At www.getsmartoregon.org there are statewide volunteer opportunities in our public schools, helping 1st through 3rd graders gain literacy in those critical early years. It's the SMART program (Start Making A Reader Today) a program of the Oregon Children's Foundation.
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I work as a volunteer literacy coordinator on the Oregon coast. Our program never has enough volunteers to fill the needs of the adult students that ask us for help. Poor literacy skills are above all a form of isolation. Adults with low skills are well-hidden and when they come forward- conquering shame and fear- it is discouraging to tell them that we don't have enough volunteers. If you are concerned about illiteracy, call your local community college or local community-based literacy organization and volunteer today!
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I caught just a portion of the show. But I would really like to volunteer to help adults with literacy, such as filling out applications and helping adults learn to read. Any help finding help organizations I can contact to volunteer would be very much appreciated (Washington, Clackamas, and Multnomah counties).
Thank you very much.
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Hi Renee, I work with a fabulous program in Washington County, Adelante Mujeres. We are an organization that is dedicated to empowering Latina women and their families and supporting them in their pursuit of education and enterprise. We offer volunteer opportunities for adult, early childhood and family literacy - in English and Spanish. If you are interested in learning more please visit our website www.adelantemujeres.org. Thanks for your passion!
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When I moved to Colorado in June 1977, Right to Read was the US government's program to address the lack of literacy among adults. Having lived in Africa for three years, I was given a lady from Greece to teach. After a year Christine had learned enough English, so then I was given the cooks at a Chinese restaurant. Many interesting experiences came through the adventure of teaching English AND reading to new friends.
A friend who grew up in Tacoma graduated from Pacific Lutheran University -- probably somewhere in the 1950s. After several years of experience as a classroom teacher, she was invited to Minnesota to create and develop the Department of Education at Bethel College (now Unviersity). After she retired from Bethel College our friend taught reading to adults, as a volunteer. "This is the most rewarding work I have ever done, in all my life," she told us more than once. Wow! It seems most amazing, considering the productive and significant work she did before she retired.
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Comments are now closed.
It would be interesting to hear your audience also address one of the root causes of adult illiteracy - child illiteracy. Why did illiterate adults not learn to read as children, and what can we do to correct that in the current generation of children?