Millions of American children reach fourth grade without learning to read proficiently. The shortfall is especially pronounced among low- income children: Of the fourth-graders who took the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reading test in 2009, 83% of children from low-income families—and 85% of low-income students who attend high-poverty schools—failed to reach the “proficient” level in reading. Reading proficiently by the end of third grade is a crucial marker in a child’s educational development. Failure to read proficiently is linked to higher rates of school dropout, which suppresses individual earning potential as well as the nation’s competitive- ness and general productivity. 

Read more. 

Excerpt: 

Business and government leaders continue to raise concerns about the future supply of highly skilled employees that can meet the nation's economic and national security needs. Although there are pockets of leadership across the nation in policies and practices that support our high ability and high-achieving students, the 2012-2013 State of the States in Gifted Education survey shows that the United States as a whole has not yet committed attention and resources to ensure that high-ability students will receive an education that maximizes their talent and supports them in attaining advanced levels of achievement in school and beyond. The survey, conducted in conjunction with the Council of State Directors of Programs for the Gifted, examines policy and practice affecting the education of gifted and talented students. The report is the only national compilation of data about gifted and talented education. Forty-two states, the District of Columbia, and Guam responded to the survey. 

Read more.