Adolescent Literacy Policy Update

More than eight million children in America in grades four through twelve read at “below basic” levels, according to results from the most recent National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP) test. In recent months, the policymaking community has begun to respond to this national crisis by making recommendations to provide resources for programs designed to help struggling older children improve their literacy skills. The Pathways for All Students to Succeed (PASS) Act and the Graduation for All Act are two of these initiatives; they are described in more detail in this brief.