Low literacy forms a huge obstacle to creating caring and capable adults. The relationship between incarceration/illiteracy is well documented, with over 70% of prisoners reading below a 4th-grade level.
Regrettably, New Mexico averages the lowest reading scores of 4th graders nationwide, with only 21% reading proficiently as of 2022.
Being literate involves much more than just being able to read and write. A person's intellectual and emotional growth can be irreparably harmed by illiteracy, which also frequently inhibits one's ability to lead a fulfilling and successful adult life. A person's inability to read raises their risk of poverty, lowers their chances of employment, decreases social inclusion, and leads to an unhealthier life. Adults with low literacy skills often struggle to access and use the healthcare system for themselves and their young children, increasing risks of developmental and health issues.
There's no question that early childhood literacy is an essential element in a child's development and opens the door to a brighter future. The greatest amount of brain growth occurs between birth and age five. By age 3, roughly 85% of the brain's core structure is formed, yet the majority of educational investments are made after age five. RAIL focuses on promoting reading readiness and language proficiency for children under 5 by mailing a brand-new book directly to each child's home---every month, FREE of charge. These are high-quality books that are chosen by experts in the education and writing field, appropriately based on the child's age.