Legislation introduced by Senators Jeff Sessions (R-AL) and Patty Murray (D-WA) will vastly expand the capacity of schools to help older students who struggle with reading, according to Alan Farstrup, IRA
executive director. The Striving Readers Act of 2007, introduced on March 22,
authorizes $200 million for FY2007 for adolescent literacy programs directed at
students in 4th through 12th grade. Initially, states will receive funds based on a
poverty formula and 8th grade NAEP scores, expanding after FY2011 to include
programs in all states.
 
As Tim Shanahan, IRA’s president, points out, “Enhanced primary grade
reading instruction is effective, but insufficient.  The number of older students who
struggle with reading—particularly boys and language minority youth—is troubling.  
An inability to read well affects everyone:  students pay a high cost for missed
opportunities personally and professionally, and national productivity is hurt when
the workforce is not competitive.  This legislation sends a positive message that it
is not too late for older students. Many studies have been conducted on how to
teach older students to read better. It is time to apply this research to improve
reading achievement for our teens and preteens.”  
 
The current striving readers initiative, launched in 2004, funds only eight
grants.  The Striving Readers Act of 2007 will make funding available to implement
school-wide adolescent literacy programs, support statewide initiatives, and allow
data collection and rigorous evaluation to document program success.  In addition,
the Sessions/Murray bill will prepare teachers to incorporate literacy strategies in
core academic classes, and will assist parents by training them to support their
children’s literacy development.
 
The International Reading Association, along with the National Association of
Secondary School Principals and the Alliance for Excellent Education, endorse
expanded services for adolescent readers and support the Striving Readers Act of
2007, introduced by Senators Sessions and Murray.
 
Sessions/Murray bill offers more schools a chance to help striving readers, March 22.