Reading in America is dying out as according to the Policy Circle, 54% of Americans read below the equalivent of a sixth grade level. That’s why it’s so important to highlight the Redhawks for number one in reading in the district.
Westwood had a community goal of 170,000 minutes read. That goal was surpassed by 162,919 minutes totaling the amount of minutes to be 332,919 minutes. This week, Redhawk Sophomores take the lead with 619 minutes followed by Freshmen with 115 minutes read.
One of Westwood Librarians, Mrs. Brown reflects on how she believes she’s contributed to the success of the literacy rate.
In a time where literacy rates are at a decline, Redhawks are proving that reading is still a fun and important thing to do. According to CNN, In 2024, the average reading score was the lowest it had been since the assessment began in 1992.
The trend of declining literacy rates raises concerns about the future and questions about what resources are available to raise these rates. As the use of technology rises, the materials for reading change.
Librarian Mrs. Brown speaks on the struggles that can be faced with highschoolers and reading. “High school students are incredibly busy, so it can be a lot for librarians and for teachers to compete with that and get students reading and immersed in books.”
Although there are many resources available online, technology is a contributing factor to the decline of literacy rates. Things like AI in the classroom contribute to the lack of critical thinking within students and the lack of a strong student-teacher relationship.
According to EducationWeek, one of the negative consequences AI is having on students is their ability to develop a meaningful relationship with teachers. According to a report, half of the students agree that using AI in class makes them feel less connected to their teachers.
Teachers also share worries and ways they’ve used AI. Some of the concerns they share are that AI weakens critical thinking and research skills. Some of the ways teachers use AI include curriculum, content, student engagement, and more.
neaToday suggests that students need to see their personalities reflected in their physical books. A literary interventioinist, Catherine Campbell believes in promoting reading in newer technological ways to complement instruction.
Aside from the negative effects, technology has also contributed to the success of reading in students. Online websites like Epic offer a large selection of books for kids to read. E-books bave become a popular choice of reading in classrooms.
Westwood’s librarian Mrs. Brown touches on the digital resources that can help students engage more in reading. “So there are audiobooks and E-books. Through the district, we have a subscription to Sora and that works with something else, called Libby through the public library…”
While Redhawks celebrate this important milestone, it is also important to note how they got there and what measures are needed to maintain this. Continue to read whether it be online or physically, and remember that technology is important, but can cost you if you rely on it for everything.
