Students who struggle with reading also struggle economically for the rest of their lives. And that’s why Senator Murray is very concerned that the federal government still doesn’t provide enough effective, constructive, and targeted literacy help to our students after the 3rd grade. She believes we ought to put more resources into helping older kids strengthen their reading skills. The Striving Readers Act, which she helped introduce, would help create statewide literacy initiatives for students in grades 4-12, and help districts and schools create plans to improve literacy for adolescents.
The Senator is proud that the 2008 reauthorization – or update – of the Higher Education Act helps teachers in training learn how to incorporate literacy instruction into every subject. And she will continue to work to ensure that children all the way through high school can get help with reading if they need it.