Well, despite years of education reform efforts, US reading outcomes remain stubbornly low. Just 40% of fourth graders are working below what's considered a basic reading level for their age. That's actually the largest percentage since 2002.This is all according to a national assessment commonly known as the nation's report card. >> And when children don't learn to read early, experts say the consequences ripple across every area. In fact, they're more likely to fall behind academically, disengage from sch ...