The Power to Act: Transforming Literacy and Education

The goal of this book is to unify all those who recognize the imperative for a literate and educated society into a single, persuasive call to action. This book is a toolbox that provides the knowledge, the empirical data, and the materials for you to be an influential leader, capable of tackling the tough problem of literacy education in America today. Simply stated, learning is the trump card for human progress, and literacy is the root of lifelong learning. Sadly, as Americans we are failing to make literate tens of millions of our young citizens. This fact is threatening our country s future. In the text-driven culture of our twenty-first century, someone who is semi-illiterate has little chance of becoming a contributing member of society or finding gainful employment. And, employment is critical not only for individuals to support themselves financially, but also for the society to benefit from the talent of each member. America s greatest asset base is its human capital. Education, training, and health are a country s most important investments in its human capital. If America is to remain a world leader, the global economy demands that its citizens be prepared to participate in and compete with an international workforce that is rapidly becoming more skilled. America must invest in the skills of its young people, and literacy is the bedrock for a world-class education.