Paul Coverdell: “today the Senate passed H.R. 2614, the Reading Excellence Act, and I rise in celebration for the many Americans this…”

“today the Senate passed H.R. 2614, the Reading Excellence Act, and I rise in celebration for the many Americans this important legislation will help. Reading is critical to every aspect of life, especially as we move into the high-tech world of the 21st century. With the passage of this bill, more Americans will secure the basic reading skills necessary to enjoy the benefits of citizenship. It will enable many to do some of the things we take for granted--being able to read a phone book, a dinner menu, directions on a medicine bottle, or a job application. Right now, only 4 out of 10 of our Nation's third graders can read at grade level or above. This clearly can not stand. Our goal is to ensure that every child is able to read by the third grade. This bill is a down payment toward that goal. The Reading Excellence Act focuses on scientifically based methods for teaching reading, it provides for tutorial assistance for at-risk children, and addresses adult illiteracy so that parents can be their children's first and most important teacher. This bill stresses the basics, a return to proven teaching methods, and most importantly a return to methods that work.”