Thad Cochran: “Today, I am introducing the Successful Reading Research and Instruction Act. It establishes a panel that will include…”

“Today, I am introducing the Successful Reading Research and Instruction Act. It establishes a panel that will include parents, scientists, and educators to conduct a study of the research relevant to reading development and advise the Congress of its recommendations for disseminating its findings and instruction suggestions to those who would like to have them. Reading is the skill students must master to meet life challenges in a confident and successful manner. For a child, breaking the code of written language not only opens academic opportunities; it is a cornerstone to building high self esteem. Both reading and self esteem affect the knowledge and experiences that form a child's character and future. Teaching children to read is the highest priority in education today. Many teachers and parents I've talked with are frustrated and confused about what method of reading instruction is best. Every American should be concerned that 40 to 60 percent of elementary school children are not reading proficiently. Even more disturbing is research that shows fewer than one child in eight who is failing to read by the end of first grade ever catches up to grade level. Success in reading is essential if one is to progress socially and economically. In fact, most of the federally funded literacy programs are targeted to helping adults learn to read because the education system failed them, and more than likely, failed them at an early age.”