We Don't Need No

Education Leaving Some Students Illiterate

Author Beth Fertig says that as many as 20 percent of American adults may be functionally illiterate. They may recognize letters and words, but can't read directions on a bus sign or a medicine bottle, read or write a letter, or hold most any job. Her new book, Why cant U teach me 2 read, follows three young New Yorkers who legally challenged the New York City public schools for failing to teach them how to read — and won.

Audio: NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday, Host: Scott Simon.

Photo: Dagny Gromer, Prescott AZ, 11/25/07.