To Read or Not to Read

A Discussion of the NEA's Latest Report about Reading

Tuesday April 1, 2008 | 4:30 PM

To Read or Not To Read: A Question of National Consequence gathers statistics from more than 40 studies on the reading habits and skills of children, teenagers, and adults. The compendium reveals recent declines in voluntary reading and test scores alike, exposing trends that have severe consequences for American society. Like its controversial predecessor, Reading at Risk (2004), the new report has provoked a widespread debate with recent coverage in such outlets at the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Guardian. Sunil Iyengar, one of the primary architects of the report, will present an overview of its findings and take questions about its methodology and conclusions.