Reading for fun drops dramatically among teens, report says [View all]
Source: San Jose Mercury News
Reading among children is on the decline, with dramatically fewer teens and pre-adolescents reading even weekly, and many never picking up a book or magazine that's not assigned, according to a report released Sunday.
Various studies have looked at reading trends and achievement, but a report by San Francisco-based Common Sense Media examined changes over time that were revealed in seven surveys and tests by public and private groups. The authors compiled those surveys but did not do new research.
... In 1984, almost one-third of 17-year-olds read for fun almost every day; in 2012, the percentage had dropped to one-fifth. Those who never or hardly ever read for pleasure daily grew from about one-tenth to more than one-quarter. In fact, 45 percent of 17-year-olds said they read for pleasure only a few times a year. Surveys show that the decline in reading has accelerated in recent years.
... The study also noted the good-bad news from national tests, that reading comprehension among fourth- and eighth-graders has improved since 1992, yet remains dismally low. Just over one-third of fourth- and eighth-graders are proficient in reading. For 17-year-olds, scores have remained stagnant.
Read more: http://www.mercurynews.com/my-town/ci_25742623/reading-fun-drops-dramatically-among-teens-report-says
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