Laurie's Current Issue 5

Study Links Drop in Test Scores to a Decline in Time Spent Reading
By MOTOKO RICH
Published: November 19, 2007
New York Times

A report by the National Endowment for the Arts indicates that the reduction of reading for pleasure as students go through school, is causing a decline in reading test scores. The NEA compiled data from approximately two dozen studies from the federal Education and Labor Departments and the Census Bureau as well as various foundations, businesses, and academic institutions. The conclusion was that students are reading less and because of less reading, reading test scores have declined. Some argue that students are reading much more than the report claims because they read on the Internet.

The study points out that as they move to higher grades, students typically read less poetry, drama, and non-fiction and a direct correlation was found between the amount of reading and test scores. Current statistics show that on the whole, elementary reading test scores are improving, middle school scores have not changed, and high school scores are slightly declining.

The causes of the drop in reading after elementary school is not completely clear, however several factors have been mentioned, including the “use of new technologies like the Internet and other gadgets, and the failure of schools and colleges to develop a culture of daily reading habits.” Additionally, our society does not generally discuss or recognize in the media or elsewhere, authors, literature, or reading in general.

The lack of the continuity in reading has also has a negative effect on income. Analysis of the Education Department statistics indicate that proficient readers earn more than individuals that read below what is measured on a basic level reading test.