My Reflections on Heath

In regard to the first prompt, I feel that Heath captures the message concerning literacy events in society by writing “literacy unlocked a variety of doors, but it did not necessarily secure admission" (Heath 35). Personally, I feel that Heath is suggesting that literacy can help begin one’s success in life, but individual success is not guaranteed.
One must apply the skills one acquires while obtaining literacy. Throughout the text, Heath constantly refers to the people of Trackton. The author discusses the differences between comprehending literate materials versus the materials ascribed to literate individuals (33). Heath highlights the three levels of reading and I feel one should incorporate various styles into their daily life in order to perfect their reading skills. By “attending to the text itself, bringing in experiences or knowledge related to the text, and interpreting beyond the text into a creative/imaginative realm…” one is able to truly assess their knowledge of reading (33). In order to improve one’s literacy skills, one must challenge himself and think outside the box.
Literacy skills are crucial to one’s academic development. As Heath demonstrates, literacy skills have an immense impact on one’s social and educational life. Although one is exposed to words and sounds at an early age, preschools are often hesitant to begin reading. However, in many cases, preschoolers can “distinguish brand names from product descriptions on boxes or bags” before they know they are reading (14). By learning to read at an early age, one positions himself of the fast track for life. He will unlock multiple doors in life. This child will develop faster mentally and socially, and he will face windows of opportunities. In addition, one who is academically literate will receive higher test scores and a greater chance of being accepted into college.
On the other hand, Heath reminds readers that becoming literate does not “necessarily secure admission” (35). One of the most interesting points that Heath presents is the fact that in the business world today, employers are concentrating on hiring employees who are well rounded. Heath states that “in a recent survey of employer attitudes toward potential employees, employers called not for literacy skills generally associated with school tasks, but instead for an integration of mathematical and linguistic skills, and displays of the capability of learning ‘one one’s own’ and listening and speaking skills required to understand and give instructions and describe problems” (37). Through these statements, Heath illustrates why one must obtain skills other than literacy in order to be successful in the real world. Although critical reading is a highly valued asset to employers, in today’s society companies are pushing workers to obtains so much more. With society’s competitive job market, co workers are often pushing one another to present "the ultimate package,” which shows why in reality literacy does not guarantee success in life.