Reading is the skill anchor
Reading is the skill anchor that gives one a key to achievement in every school subject and in professional pursuits. Students who master high levels of reading skill unlock doors to knowledge, thinking, and communication skill gains that extend far beyond language arts education. Reading skill is most directly related to school achievement, career success, and the ability to learn for a lifetime. The transfer of reading skill sends a ripple effect across all subject areas. Science requires reading sophisticated texts describing experimental methods and theoretical processes. Problems in mathematics require awareness of reading to read figures and understand how to calculate. Social studies requires the capacity to examine historical accounts, understand facts, and synthesize information from multiple sources. Even in such creative areas as language or music, reading helps students learn directions, history, and theory. Innovative readers form advanced-level vocabulary, which, in turn,...