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The Teacher Who Couldn't Read

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The Bridge to Literacy

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The Bridge to Literacy

No Child – or Adult – Left Behind

National literacy advocate John Corcoran, who helped to bring illiteracy out of the shadows with his autobiography, goes back into the "subculture of illiteracy" from which he escaped at the age of 48 in his new book, Bridge to Literacy: No Child - or Adult Left Behind. Bridge to Literacy examines the state of crisis of illiteracy in America and shares a vision of hope for children and adults.

Teaching all children how to read using scientifically proven methods of instruction in the classroom will prevent another generation of failure, while increasing resources for programs for older students, dropouts, and adult learners will improve the illiteracy that threatens the economic and social well-being in America.

Through extensive research and in-depth interviews, Bridge to Literacy is the first book to bring together leading researchers, advocates, and literacy champions in both public and private sectors–including in the U.S. and in Canada–who are fighting an overwhelming battle on several fronts, from early childhood detection to adult literacy programs. It shares the moving stories of parents who broke through barriers to provide educational support for their children, and tales of despair and victory as adults struggled to cope with the stigma of illiteracy and emerged into society's dominant culture of the written word.

Pragmatic and data-driven, Bridge to Literacy issues an inspiring call to action to realize a vision of literacy in America, with integrated efforts to diagnose difficulties and to teach reading at every age using scientifically based methods. The prevention and eradication of illiteracy is possible. We have the research and the knowledge. All we need now is the commitment and the will to act.

Until parents, teachers, and other professionals are taught to watch for the classic warning signs of dyslexia, children will continue to struggle and fall through the cracks in our education system - as John did. As John so clearly documents in this book, many professionals and organizations end up trying to help those with undiagnosed dyslexia- yet very few provide effective solutions.

Susan Barton, Founder
Bright Solutions for Dyslexia

John Corcoran’s newest book beckons each of us who recognize literacy skills as a fundamental requirement for human growth and development to determine a way for those many adults and children who have not crossed the BRIDGE TO LITERACY to get in step. John offers for reflection what so many now know; he presents a courageous challenge to institutions of higher learning, while expressing his concern for the teachers who are not prepared to teach after receiving degrees.

M. Therese (Terry) Kelly, B.A., M.L.A
Director and President of New Heights Center,
A practicing Educational Therapist