A survey conducted in 1993 discovered that 22% of adults were functionally illiterate and that 43% of 9 year olds fell below 'basic level' skills in reading and writing. Over the last 25 years there has been an explosion of studies on reading which, taken together, could solve the problems of literacy. It is now possible to teach every child to read with complete accuracy in a short space of time. If this information was implemented in our classrooms, literacy would skyrocket. WHY CHILDREN CAN'T READ is written in simple language, highlighted with examples to actively engage the reader in the issues being addressed. It is intended for the general reader, including parents, educators and anyone with an interest in literacy.