Imagine not being able to understand the words in a book, timid that other students might find out you can’t read. Imagine not being able to order food or read labels. A large percentage of the student body in the district suffers from illiteracy. Teachers and their peers need to notice the problem and try to help those that find it hard to read. The school administration should promote the importance of reading and literacy on campus, and teachers and other students should begin programs that would allow illiterate pupils to attend reading classes.

According to the National Institute for Literacy, in Los Angeles County alone, 32% of the population is considered functionally illiterate. Teachers and peers need to notice the problems early on. Somewhere around elementary and middle school, teachers need to realize and report if a student needs extra help. Many teachers need to have sympathy for the fact that students will one day need to go out into the working world and they will need basic reading skills. Teachers do not need to have sympathy for students, or apathy in some cases, and just allow them to pass classes because they've formed a bond with the pupil. Mike Rose said, "Students will float to the mark you set." And teachers must always set high standards for their students to reach.

School administration should post flyers around campus promoting the importance of reading books and literacy. Many posters in the school's library have celebrities posing with a book, simply stating “READ.” Perhaps, administrators should begin displaying some of those posters around the school.

Students and teachers should collaborate to form free programs that would allow illiterate students to receive tutoring. We are still in an age where differences are discriminated rather than appreciated. Leaders of the programs should form an encouraging atmosphere that does not belittle the students’ weaknesses.

In the end, all of the progress will rely on the shoulders of the students and their determination to learn. But teachers should always encourage students to surpass their own expections because only then will they all accept their weaknesses.