An article I co-authored in 2011 began with this observation:
IN 2001, THE NATIONAL Center for Learning Disabilities reported that 40% of our nation’s fourth graders scored below basic reading levels. Today, 10 years later, there has been some much-needed improvement. But before we pop the cork in celebration, it is important to note that the percentage of children reading below a basic level— 33%, according to the U.S. Department of Education website—remains far too great.