Letter - Reading level determines number of jail cells

To the editor:

We are students at Alexandria Technical and Community College studying child development. One of the recent topics we have been discussing is media(television, movies, Internet, commercials, etc.) and the influence it has on children. One of the most shocking pieces of information that we received was that third grade reading levels are used to predict the number of jail cells that the United States will need to have within the next 10 years.

Researchers have found that there is a direct correlation between kids not reading at grade level in third grade and the number of jail cells needed. One of the major reasons behind this is that children are focusing too much of their attention on watching television, movies, playing video games and surfing the Internet instead of reading.

Even though there are good forms of media, be sure to monitor what your children are watching and playing. Remember, it’s always good to read a book and get outside.

Kasandra Hornick

and Ashley Clancy,

ATCC child development

program students

Alexandria, MN

Tags: opinion, letters