1. Christine Golden, LMS Holbrook Junior Senior High School

2. How does reading ability affect the individual?

3.  Expand general knowledge  Sustain employment  Make informed decisions  Develop into a well rounded individual  Keep active in a print laden society  Be informed on current events and issues  Fully participate in functions of everyday life  Enjoy the great works of the past  Reach your highest intellectual potential

4. ***To advance in education and employment Median weekly earnings in 2011 for varying education levels: Source: www.bls.gov DegreeWeekly Earnings Doctorate Degree$ 1551 Professional Degree$ 1665 Master’s Degree$ 1263 Bachelor’s Degree$ 1053 Associate’s Degree$ 768 Some college/no degree$ 719 High school diploma$ 638 Less than high school diploma $ 451

5. Source: www.bls.gov

6. How does reading ability affect society?

7. “A nation that does not read much does not know much. And a nation that does not know much is more likely to make poor choices in the home, the marketplace, the jury box, and the voting booth. And those decisions ultimately affect the entire nation...the literate and illiterate.” ― Jim TreleaseJim Trelease

8. Doctorate Degree2.5% Professional Degree2.1% Master’s Degree3.5% Bachelor’s Degree4.5% Associate’s Degree6.2% Some College, no degree7.7% High School Diploma8.3% Less than High School Diploma 12.4% Source: www.bls.gov

9. In March 2007, Canadian researchers conducted studies to determine what connections, if any, there were between literacy and crime. The study defined literacy as “the ability to understand and use printed information in daily activities”, and was conducted over an 18 month period through the National Office of Literacy and Learning, Human Resources and Social Development Canada.

10. “Literacy Equals Crime Prevention” “Raising literacy rates in the community contributes to reducing crime and lowering recidivism.”  “Criminal offenders have lower average literacy levels than the general population.”  “Neighborhoods with lower literacy levels have higher crime rates.”  “Witnesses with low literacy need help to communicate effectively in giving a report or testifying later.”  “Literacy programs in prisons have resulted in positive outcomes (such as being able to maintain employment) and reduced rates of re-offending”  Source: http://policeabc.ca/why-target-crime-with-literacy.html

11. “Yes, students are much more motivated to work through a medium with which they are familiar. For the most part, students (in my experience) appear to much prefer a digital lesson or online resource as opposed to "analog" learning (i.e. textbooks, handouts, etc.) Not only are they learning about the subject matter, but many students enjoy learning about new technology” Crystal DeCorte, Holbrook Jr. Sr. High School, Holbrook, MA Educator’s Perspective: Does technology motivate students to read? “Technology motivates my students to be more engaged. The best teaching/learning experience I have had was creating a web quest and watching my students complete it. They are very interactive and though they require a lot of prep work from the teacher are rewarding.” Stephanie Russo, English teacher, Holbrook Jr. Sr. High School

12. What is the preferred method of reading for students? Research Survey conducted at Holbrook Jr. Sr. High School, Holbrook, MA February 2013 Population: 107 students in grades 7-8 Question: You are given an assignment to read S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders. You are given the option of reading in paper or electronic format. Which do you choose?

13. Findings: Preferred method of reading was print, 59 students favored print while 48 favored reading electronically.

14. Considerations for Print Readers  Like the feel of paper pages and holding a book  Hassle to plug in and keep electronic readers charged  Fear of theft  Eyes hurt after prolonged exposure to the screen  Easier to open a page than glide through pages electronically  Too many distractions with electronic devices  Comfort with what is familiar  Considerations of Electronic Readers  Convenient to access on a phone or IPod  No fear of losing books  Can access read aloud feature  Can access dictionary feature  Don’t have to carry cumbersome books

15.  Has investing in technology led to increased reading abilities?  Research inconclusive due to: changing technologies time needed to gather results longitudinal studies lag behind the evolution rate of technology  Source: http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/content/cntareas/reading/li300.htm

16. "Why Target Crime With Literacy?“ www.policeabc.ca. Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, 2008. Web. 13 Feb. 2013. Holum, Ann, Ph.D, and Jan Gahala, MA. "Critical Issue: Using Technology to Enhance Literacy Instruction." Www.ncrel.org. National Committee for Research and Technology, 2001. Web. 14 Feb. 2013. Russo, Stephanie. Personal Interview. 10 February 2013 Trelease, Jim. The Read-aloud Handbook. Harmondsworth, Middlesex, England: Penguin, 1982. Print. DeCorte, Crystal. Personal Interview. 12 February 2013. "Education Pays." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. United States Department of Labor, 28 Jan. 2013. Web. 10 Feb. 2013. "Visibility @ Your Library » Talking Points: Why We Need Libraries." Visibility @ Your Library » Talking Points: Why We Need Libraries. American Library Association, 2007. Web. 10 Feb. 2013