Literacy as a key to the future

As work in every job sector requires research, analysis, and effective communication, literacy skills have become indispensable tools for success.

The ability to read, write and comprehend information not only forms the foundation for academic achievement, but it also plays a significant role in shaping students’ future careers. According to Paul Deane, Principal Research Scientist at ETS, “To succeed in the twenty-first century economy, you have to have [literacy] skills that only a small percentage of the population may have needed in the 1920s.” 

Many schools emphasize reading catch-up alongside basic writing skills: grammar, structure, and mechanics. While these skills are certainly important, educators must prepare for advanced writing matters, including intensive workshopping and revising, should students want to claim greater fluency over their literacy abilities. “Schools with better prepared kids,” notes Paul Deane, “can spend more time in writing and cover more ground in writing …When you do that, you get faster skill growth and more motivated kids.” Supporting this kind of well-structured and meaningful content, in turn, has a powerful impact on a student’s future, or, as Deane puts it, “If you can’t write a good admissions essay, you’re already behind the 8-ball.”

An urgent need for literacy skills

Reading scores have remained stagnant for the past two decades - in recent years, they have declined due to the pandemic.

Information like this, which was revealed by the Nation’s Report Card by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, makes the case that to perform in today's competitive job market, students must possess proficient literacy skills. Travis Park, Associate Professor of Agricultural Education at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, wonders, “Are we creating students who can be lifelong learners, not just the oil changers and mechanics, but the managers, the owners of the business?” His question emphasizes the urgent need for schools to address literacy skills before the job market demands them later: “If you’re in it for that game,” Park says, “then reading is vitally important for [students’] long-term success.” 

To address the challenges of improving literacy skills, many schools are turning to tech-based solutions. The right technology can offer immediate auto-grading and diagnostic reviews. As such, educators can provide students with personalized learning experiences to improve their writing skills and guide the revision process. For example, tools like the Criterion® Online Writing Evaluation Service are designed to help students improve their core writing skills through unlimited opportunities to practice independent writing and invaluable automated feedback. Personalizing learning in this manner empowers students to engage with the material at their own pace.

Benefitting all student and teacher outcomes

We must recognize the interconnectedness of reading and writing when personalizing learning experiences.

In conjunction with this work, educators can empower students to face the challenges of the modern world with confidence and competence. Schools and districts can build better-developed students across all subjects with a renewed approach to critical writing concepts and systematic literacy approaches. Literacy skills unlock a world of opportunities: They are indispensable assets in every learner's journey towards a successful and fulfilling future. 

Want to improve literacy skills in your classroom? Check out the Criterion Online Writing Evaluation Service.