WHY READING MATTERS
Why Reading Matters
Reading is a fundamental skill that opens the door to lifelong success. Research shows robust early literacy impacts student behavior and emotional development, boosts academic achievement, increases graduation rates, and results in a more successful adult life. Improving literacy will break the cycle of poverty, improve overall health, and amplify economic development benefitting society as a whole (2).
At Uplift Literacy, we strive to ensure that all children have equal access to quality reading instruction and resources to eliminate the reading gap and improve academic outcomes and future successes. We believe that the ability to read is a fundamental human right, and we are committed to breaking down barriers and fostering a love for reading in every home in Miami.
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In 2024, 44% of public school 3rd graders scored below grade level in reading.
Our community is facing a critical challenge: in 2024, 44% of 3rd graders in Miami-Dade County public schoolsscored below proficient in reading. Alarmingly, research shows that 75% of struggling readers will never catch up, and students who fail to reach reading proficiency by the end of 3rd grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school (1). The issue is further compounded by poverty, with children living at or below the poverty line consistently scoring lower in reading and facing even greater risks.
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The path to addressing this problem is clear: early and effective reading interventions can transform the futures of these children and set them on a path to success.
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Research highlights a strong correlation between basic reading skills and effective learning, access to higher education, and overall success as a productive member of society.
Early literacy instruction sets the foundation for academic achievement. Since more than 85% of curricula are taught by reading, children need strong foundational literacy skills to promote learning across ALL subjects.
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By prioritizing early literacy, we are not only enhancing children's academic potential but also empowering them with the skills necessary for lifelong success
Reading matters! Together, we can make a difference.
National Assessment of Educational Progress Data shows that 35% of 4th graders in the United States performed below a basic level in reading.
“Proficient 3rd-grade readers were nearly five times more likely to graduate high school than their peers with below-basic-reading skills.”
More than 43 million Americans do not read above a 3rd grade level.