Cyber Weapon in Illiteracy/ Dropout War

Four of every ten young-adult dropouts receive some government assistance. Dropouts are eight times more likely to be in jail, and half of all prison inmates are dropouts. (Milliken, 2008) Dropouts begin the dropping out process as early as fourth grade when it becomes quite apparent they cannot read well enough to keep pace with the curriculum. Or worse yet when they can no longer handle the shame and embarrassment of special education. Forty seven percent of Detroiters are functionally illiterate perpetuating the high dropout rates in the State of Michigan.

These consequences translate into lost tax revenues and higher costs. We can only be economically vibrant when our residents are engaged in productive careers in this competitive global economy. Global competition begins with strong literacy skills.

Since the 1940s k-12 schools taught the whole language concept of reading- memorizing words, known as sight-reading. When we were a manufacturing society, sight-reading and memorization was the easy quick way to prepare people for the factory as basic reading skills were necessary. Unfortunately, whole language has virtually left generations of students functionally illiterate to struggle with reading every day in this highly complex world.

The saddest tragedy is that these students are naturally tech savvy and prefer self challenge skills that are necessary for today’s global society. Skills Michigan needs to secure high demand businesses,” states Ida Byrd-Hill President of Uplift, Inc.

These students are considered technical natives having been raised with cell phones, DVDs, and video game consoles since their birth.

This population loves the excitement and thrill of video games. Millennials can be found manipulating video games — every day of the week for hours developing a skill of self challenge. Their curiosity, intensity and seriousness about their video games is refreshing.

According to Information Week 7/18/2008, “So far this year, retailers have sold $16.6 billion in video games, consoles, and related products, compared with $12.2 billion during the same period a year ago.” Video gaming is gaining momentum even in a shaky economy. Video gaming challenges a person’s brain especially since participants spend hours of time playing the game.

Imagine transporting those technology elements to the reading arena. Children could read and pass standardized test with ease. America could return to its dominance in education from its perch of 21 out of 25 industrialized nations where it slipped. Sounds like a pipe dream. Until one looks at the statistics:

1. U.S. computer and video game software sales grew six percent in 2007 to $9.5 billion – more than tripling industry software sales since 1996.

2. Sixty-five percent of American households play computer or video games.

3. Sixty-three percent of parents believe games are a positive part of their children’s lives.

Statistics from Entertainment Software Association

Gaming technology can revolutionize reading as it allows for fun repetitive review of concepts and vocabulary.

STRONG READER is a cyber class that combines phonics, etymology and reading comprehension with video lessons, video games, avatars and puzzles to engage students to complete the process of reading development. Listen to a video lesson, answer a question correctly then play the video game. Most online literacy classes are textual based. Here is a sample game:

This cyber class was created by Uplift, Inc. and evolved out of an English class developed at Hustle & TECHknow Preparatory High School, a cyber school catering to high school dropouts. Hustle & TECHknow Preparatory High School achieved this success:

• Won Educational Program of the Year Automation Alley 2007

• Collective Lexile reading scores moved from 4.2 to 7.8 grade in less than a year

• Three students qualified as quarter finalists for the National Vocabulary Championship There were only 79 quarterfinalists out of 10,000 participants

If your child struggles with the shame and embarrassment of special education resource rooms because they can not read subscribe to STRONG READER. If you struggle with reading as an adult subscribe to STRONG READER.

STRONG READER is offered as a 4 month subscription at an one time payment of $175 or five easy payments of $35 a month.
For more information or to subscribe go to www.cyberschoolinc.com; call 877-4CYBER0 or 313-483-2126