Adolescent Literacy: A Position Statementö by Santa. This article presents a position statement regarding the need to commit to providing adolescents more. The article points out that the plight of adolescence is worsening, which is demonstrated by the violence at Columbine High School in Colorado. It is concluded that this situation is a result of a decrease in adolescent literacy levels. It is also noted that literacy levels must developed in early years but that this process must be continued throughout adolescence. Therefore all those involved, including policy makers, administrators, business and community members, parents, and educators, must commit themselves to the support of adolescent literacy growth.
In reaction to this position, while adolescent violence may be increasing and adolescent literacy may be decreasing, it is not clear that one condition is a result of the other. In fact each of these situations may be a result of other factors such as a decline in the family situation. Whether these factors are linked or not may however, be a separate issue. A more important point is that both need to be considered and remedied. The authors presented a typical day in the life of a teenager, noting that time is spent with computer, television, phone, and other activities that may not be related to the enhancement of literacy and may act as a detriment in this quest. Again, it is not clear whether the teenÆs activities are the cause of literary decline or whether they too are simply a reflection of the times or a reaction to other needs not being met.
The point that literacy must be developed throughout the studentÆs life is well taken. Elementary schools currently focus on literacy and this focus is changed to other areas in middle and high schools. An alternative would be to remain focused on literacy throughout the school curriculum. To further this development, rather than view a typical teen activity s...