Serious lesson: If graduates can't read, their diplomas mean nothing

Wayne County Public Schools wants parents to pay attention.

Officials, teachers and administrators have warned parents that the new state rules on reading comprehension are stiff, tough and important.

And they have asked parents to help get students get ready.

The intent behind the rules is good. The idea is that no child who cannot read at a third-grade level should leave the third grade. And if they can't read at that level, extreme measures should be taken to make sure they have the chance to catch up.

And based on a recent survey of college athletes at big name schools across the country -- a surprising percentage of whom were reading at a third- or fourth-grade level -- there is reason to be concerned.

College athletes are a mere slice of a larger than you know pie of students who receive high school diplomas without mastering reading, writing and other basic skills.

And while fingers will be pointed at schools, teachers and administrators, that is a cop out.

The fault lies all over any community.

We need a new red line -- an achievement requirement that we stick to from third grade on that gives children the skills they need to succeed. And we have to be prepared to do what is necessary if that guideline is not met.

It is not just about getting a diploma. It is about having the knowledge to be able to function in the real world where there will be no one to simply sign a paper and to pass you on to the next job, pay level or promotion.

It is about making minimum wage jobs the place where people start -- not to which they aspire.

No school can make that kind of change by itself -- even if the teachers are the cream of the crop.

It takes parents making sure their children are reading and practicing the skills they learn in school every day. It means turning off the television, DVD, video games and iPods. It requires putting the iPhone on mute and forbidding texting and social media.

It takes making reading with your children and enforcing their self-directed reading as important as making them dinner or tucking them in at night.

And it means understanding that we need to invest in teachers, class time, materials and programs that will reach those who need the extra help -- and to assist those students who do not have parents who are willing to make this critical investment of time and commitment.

It means recruiting volunteers and mentors. It means letting children know that education and reading are important.

And it means being strong enough to put our money and our decision-making power where our mouths are -- limited or no access to sports and activities if you do not perform in school.

It is time to step up. This is our chance as a community to prove that caring about our children means giving them the tough love and guidance they need.

It is time to make sure Wayne County children -- and others like them across the country -- have the skills they need not just to live, but to have a chance at a better life.

And, most importantly, it is time for us to hold parents who do not do their jobs accountable.

That's how you change the prospects for a generation.

The rest is just mumbo jumbo and misdirection.

Published in Editorials on January 13, 2014 10:48 AM