Has the educational system failed our generation? Yes, it has, and it is continuing to fail us. How is our educational system failing this generation of social networkers, independent employees and adults that are living in bliss?

Here is the answer: A large percentage of our country’s citizens are living with low literacy skills. For this reason, there are a myriad of social issues creating problems in our society due to the lack of emphasis on the importance of literacy.

According to a report from the U.S. Department of Education, approximately 24 million Americans have below average literacy skills.

This report should concern the majority of Americans and should not be seen as something to laugh at, which is something that is often done by people who are unaware of the seriousness of literacy.

Reports from ProLiteracy, a global organization dedicated to teaching literacy and raising awareness, show low literacy is not only a social issue, but it is also an issue that is driving our country into deep economic holes, which is what we don’t need.

According to the organization, at least $230 billion is added to our country’s annual health care costs through illiteracy. ProLiteracy also reported that the country’s low literacy levels are decreasing the availability of jobs. Maybe this is the reason why our elementary school teachers often said, “Reading is fundamental.”

Here are a few things that can be done to help raise awareness without making people feel embarrassed.

If somebody is having issues with spelling a “big word” out during class or a work shift, do not hesitate to kindly correct them in a respectful way. Or if an individual nicely asks you to read a few sentences for thembe thoughtful and generous by reading the words out loud to the person. Also, if the person asks you to write down a note for them, do not get upset. Take your time, and ask them about the things they want to say. It would be unreasonable to expect you to write entire essays or book reports. But it’s not unreasonable to treat that person with respect and dignity.

If you do not feel like going the extra mile for people that are struggling, you could just raise awareness by being a tutor for adults that are struggling with reading and writing, or better yet, join an organization that is dedicated to educating adults that have not been educated due to various circumstances.

What can educators do? At this point, the best thing that many educators can do is explain the deeper meaning of the quote, “Reading is fundamental,” to older students, particularly adults that are handling important and private information for a company that is employing them.

That would save our country a lot of time, money and worries.