re: 65% of 8th graders can't read

quote:

---

65% can't read and comprehend, read the article

---

I did. You are oversimplifying.

quote:

---

When it comes to reading, eighth-grade “students performing at the Proficient level should be able to provide relevant information and summarize main ideas and themes,” says NCES. “They should be able to make and support inferences about a text, connect parts of a text, and analyze text features. Students performing at this level should also be able to fully substantiate judgments about content and presentation of content.”

---

They can read and understand the words, and what they mean. Themes, messaging, inferences, or anything that involves analytical thinking is what lacks. Which makes PERFECT sense in the framework of knowledge gained by regurgitating standardized tests.