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“For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.” 2 Corinthians 13:8
There is no greater time than now to read Eric Metaxas’ great book, Letter to the American Church. Go to our book review in The Journal to gain greater insight into this book and then order it from our shop!
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Our goal is to help others get to know the facts from the beginning of time to today—from the biblical days to crises and events of the new millennia.
The Journal
WHERE ARE WE TODAY WITH READING IN AMERICA?
The ability for the youth to be able to read is important for the future of our country. We, at the Outtop, are passionate about the need to read (see articles in The Journal section). We have decided to keep our audience up-to-date with the latest reading scores available. Below are the 2022 average reading scores, nationwide, for 4th and 8th graders:
4th Grade: the average score was 217. The reading score for this age group was down by three points - in 2019, the average score was 220.
8th Grade: the average score was 260. The reading score for this age group was down by three points - in 2019, the average score was 263..
(Source: “NAEP Report Card: 2022 NAEP Reading Assessment.” https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/highlights/reading/2022)
Update: We’ve decided to keep the scores above posted in this section as we announce the 2024 reading scores for the 4th and 8th grades. Why? Because the 2024 reading scores decreased by two points per grade since 2022. We continue with this sad trajectory or course our education system is on.
4th Grade: the average 2024 reading score was 215. DOWN two points from 2022. DOWN five points since 2019.
8th Grade: the average 2024 reading score was 258. DOWN two points from 2022. DOWN five points since 2019.
Sources:
“NAEP Report Card: Reading.” https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/reports/reading/2024/g4_8/?grade=4
“NAEP Report Card: Reading.” https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/reports/reading/2024/g4_8/?grade=8
Again, we should not be content with these scores.
The Outtop - Helping Youth Know the Truth
Helping children succeed in life. That is our desire at The Outtop. God has given each child a gift, whether it be playing a sport or a musical instrument, wanting to be an engineer, a doctor, an accountant, a teacher, or perhaps a pilot, a car mechanic, etc. Jesus says in Matthew 19:14 “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Let’s do what is right for the children to ensure a prosperous future. See blog “Children - Our Responsibility” in the section The Journal.
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