Increased Concern About Literacy Rates in Washington County

HAGERSTOWN, MD - It's the one thing that's critical in your ability to apply for a job. It's especially important when it comes to understanding your medical prescription or even enjoying a birthday card...knowing how to read.

And in Washington County there is increased concern about the dropping literacy rates.

"It is my understanding that the literacy levels of all Washington County, the population of Washington County in general has decreased over the last few years," says Principal Valerie Kaufmann, of Funkstown Elementary School. 

Major community players are taking on the task of addressing the problem of illiteracy in the community.

"The plan is in the works for another literacy summit to be planned for this summer with a large group of community agencies involved in this effort to improve literacy," says Kaufmann.

One agency that has already taken urgent action to address the problem is the local public school system.

Washington County has adopted the National Common Core Standards and reading is at the top of their priority list.

"From the very beginning of the school year, to the last day, we are focused in every classroom elementary, middle and high school on increasing the literacy rates for all students," says Kaufmann.

Educators WHAG spoke with say they already have their pre-K and kindergarten students focused on reading.