This Hartford Public High School grad can’t read. Here’s how it happened.
An article in the Connecticut Mirror last year revealed that Aleysha Ortiz graduated from high school without being able to read. Using tools such as text-to-speech, she navigated her school years without ever learning the most basic educational necessities: reading and writing. Speaking to the Hartford City Council, Ortiz stated that her education had been stolen from her. According to the Connecticut Mirror, “Ortiz was diagnosed with a speech impediment and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in early childhood and was classified as a student with a disability.” The article further reported, “Ortiz wasn’t taught how to tell time or count money. She can barely hold a pencil due to unaddressed issues with hand fatigue and disputes over school-based occupational therapy, she and her attorney said. She learned basic math, like addition, but has no other math skills.” This combination of colossal failure and unfortunate circumstances leads me to several questions:
Did societal pressures prevent her from revealing her lack of education?
What stopped her from speaking to a parent, a friend, or someone in the school system? Did she place too much importance on others’ opinions about her lack of skills? Perhaps she felt “dumb” because she did not know how to read or write. It is understandable that she might have been embarrassed by her struggles in these areas.
How did the school system fail so profoundly?
It is no secret that government-run systems are poorly run. While I do not know this to be a fact, I wonder if there was an emphasis on gender, race, or other social issues diverted resources away from the fundamental purpose of education. It is deeply troubling that no one during her entire time as a student in the public school system noticed or addressed this glaring inadequacy. Unfortunately, the government school system seems more focused on broader agendas than on education or the needs of the individual child.
Is there value in her diploma?
In the cited article, Ortiz details the neglect and poor treatment she endured at the hands of educators. She deserves recognition for her resiliency and initiative in doing what was necessary to survive these experiences. We live in an era where individuals are often at the mercy of the systems that govern their lives. Her diploma represents fortitude and determination more than it reflects a true education. Fortunately, Aleysha still has time to learn the skills needed to thrive in society. However, it will be more challenging for her to catch up on what she should have been taught as a child.
One is taking a great risk in depending on the government for its basic needs. Upon reading her story, it is obvious there were circumstances that made it difficult for Aleysha such as her learning disabilities, language skills, and upbringing.