Boundless Readers      5153 North Clark Street, Suite 206     Chicago, IL 60640     p. 773.989.8582   e. info@boundlessreaders.org
© 2009 Boundless Readers
The nations that out-educate the U.S. today will out-compete the U.S. in the future.
U.S. President Barack Obama

The literacy challenge in the United States is particularly great among students whose demographic characteristics and school circumstances place them at high risk of academic failure.
U.S. Literacy Challenge
We know that in the U.S.:
  • More than 50% of urban learners are substantially deficient in reading; for urban African-American and Hispanic learners, the rates approach 70%.
  • Many children from low-income families or minority backgrounds enter kindergarten without the pre-literacy experiences and oral language skills needed. For example, low-income children enter school with 50% of the vocabulary of middle-income students.
  • The shortage of basic literacy skills cost U.S. businesses, universities, and under-prepared high school graduates as much as $20 billion per year in decreased productivity and remedial costs. 
The need is particularly profound in Chicago where most public school students are low-income (84%) and minorities (91%). Roughly half of Chicago Public School students drop out before high school graduation or fail to graduate with their class. Of those that remain, over 70% fail to meet State standards.  

21st Century Readers
U.S. Literacy
Challenge
21st Century
Readers
Boundless Readers Role
Great Teachers & Schools