IRA endorses Struggling Readers Act of 2007

  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 today, authorizes $200 million for FY2007 for adolescent literacy programs directed at students in 4th through 12th grade. 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. This legislation sends a positive message that it is not too late for older students.” The bill is cosponsed by Senators Daniel Akaka (D-HI), Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Richard Burr (R-NC), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Pete Domenici (R-NM), John Kerry (D-MA), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), and Trent Lott (R-MI). Read more details about IRA’s support of this bill.