New versions of Kindles and iPads are coming out all the time.
   These fast and easily available reading devices promote users to read a variety of text. This is encouraging because the benefits of reading are vast. It builds vocabulary, stimulates the imagination, improves writing, improves memory, and much more.

   However, even though these great new reading devices exist, literacy in America is still not up to par. Only half of all high school students read 10 books a year and 26% of 12^th graders can’t read on their grade level. Why are students not as literate as they should be?

   Schools should be concerned with this lack of literacy. According to a survey done by the National Endowment for the Arts, those who read regularly are more likely to participate in community service and volunteering. Also, reading has been shown to improve test scores. With all the benefits, shouldn’t schools be encouraging students to read all the time? 

   Also, education in America ranks 13^th in the world, so can illiteracy in America really be tolerated if we still want to stay on top?

    CHS has the accelerated reading program, which encourages students to read often and comprehend what they read through an A.R. test. Perhaps this program or something like it should be implemented in all schools across America. Or maybe schools should have a reading class separate from English.

   Whether it’s a newspaper, magazine, or novel, we should all take time to reap the benefits of reading. Our future may well depend on it.