Illiteracy and sub-literacy is a growing problem across the nation and our state.  Recent ND state assessment results show 44% of students in North Dakota were considered proficient in reading.  For Bismarck Public Schools that number was 49%.  Every citizen in North Dakota deserves the right to have the literacy skills to become successful in their family life as well as being choice ready to further their education or enter the work force. This cannot happen when only half of our students are achieving the desired literacy goals.  Bismarck Public Schools hopes to bring awareness about the long-term impact that illiteracy has on our children, but also highlight and celebrate the work that is happening across the district and state. The movie “The Truth About Reading” highlights the repercussions that illiteracy can have on adults who did not learn to read in elementary school.  The message of the film will help communicate the urgency to reflect on our teaching practices, curriculum, and pre-service learning in the teaching profession. It also demonstrates hope for a future where all citizens have the literacy skills to have a happy and successful family, personal, and professional life.