[Vigilanteman]

The two biggest sources of Functional Illiterates are:

1. Publik Skoolz
   
2. Imported third worlders

   . . . in that order.

And, yeah, I was reading simple books by second grade and fairly complex books by grade four. As were most American kids who were lucky enough to complete elementary school in the 1960s.

[immadashell]

Publik Skoolz

Imported third worlders . . . in that order.

Publik skoolz AND the teecherz youyuns

[Cheerio]

2.Imported third worlders

Many of the turd worlders are illiterate in their native language. There is a very very slim chance they will ever become literate in English. BUT Hey that is what the $uckerbergs of America want - CHEAP LABOR and they could care less about the well being of America as a nation.

[knarf]

Mine were the "Dick and Jane" series in the early 50's

A real and personal observation;

A few months ago while visiting my neighbor, Abby .. (a 9 or 10 year old grand daughter of his, who had always had a language development problem) sat beside me a commenced to read a hand made birthday card.

I was inpressed how well she was "reading:.

Something like; "I hope this birthday wish reaches you (etc.) ... or words to that effect

Because I'm on the school board of her elementary school, I tested her by asking her to read some large letters on a large round thermometer on the wall ... ACCU RITE

I know, a little unfair but ...

She started " a ... aaa ... aaa k k k aaaak ... you mean sound it out?"

Yeah honey ... sound it out"

"Aaaa ... a (these are all short 'a' sounds) ... aaaa ... k .... .............. I don't think I can"

That's OK ... you did super"

Before the summer break, a "librarian" came and presented us the summer reading program which was all fun and games with reading mixed in

I asked, "Do you use phonics or sight reading?"

"Sight reading" she said proudly

I have voiced my opposition to common Core and the sight reading technique for the last two years (all I've been on the board, but the practice(s) are years old) and will continue, but .... we are in serious shit with the low caliber citizen that "graduates" from high school

[Mogger]

Follow the money. It's all explained in two books by Rudolph Flesch.

"Why Johnny Can't Read - and What You Can Do About it., written in 1955.

"Why Johnny STILL Can't Read", written in 1981.

Book publishers make millions from throw away, worthless workbooks.

"Professors", listed as "authors" in these books are on the payola of the publishing companies.

The "professors" teach the young skulls full of mush, that this is the proven, best way to teach reading, and that phonics is a waste of time.