Declining literacy rates in the United States are revealing a growing concern. According to the National Literacy Institute, 54% of adults read below a sixth-grade level, while 21% are considered functionally illiterate. California also ranks among the states with some of the lowest literacy rates in the country.
Experts point to several causes behind these trends, including increased screen time, declining reading habits, economic and educational inequalities and the long-term effects of COVID-19 distance learning. The 2024 Nation’s Report Card showed average reading scores for fourth and eighth graders continued to decline, suggesting these challenges are not temporary.
These trends matter because literacy is closely tied to critical thinking. Strong reading skills help people analyze information, recognize bias, evaluate arguments and identify misinformation. Without those skills, people become more vulnerable to misleading information online and less prepared to make informed decisions in school, careers and civic life. As literacy declines, misinformation can spread more easily and thoughtful discussion becomes harder to maintain.
These concerns can also be seen at Alhambra High School. According to U.S. News & World Report, about 63% of AHS students meet reading proficiency standards, meaning more than one-third do not. At the same time, only a limited number of students continue into advanced English courses such as AP Literature. Taking rigorous classes is not only about grades or GPA; it is also about building critical thinking skills, strengthening reading comprehension and preparing for a future where literacy remains essential.
