Media Advisory on IRA Studies

MEDIA ADVISORY

Date: April 13, 2000
Contact: Maureen Goodwin (607-898-3367)
Peter Mannella (518-434-8830)

New York State Reading Association Calls Attention to Study

The New York State Reading Association calls your attention to the attached statement from the International Reading Association which relates to effective reading skills development among our children. As we endeavor to achieve higher learning standards, it is clear that the development of strong reading skills is a fundamental step in ensuring the long-term ability of our children to achieve in the classroom.

This report underscores long-held beliefs of the New York State Reading Association which include comprehensive reading programs, the need for well-trained and high quality reading teachers, and early reading intervention strategies. Many of these principles are being advanced in New York State but need to be stressed ever more strongly.

We need to ensure that children in the K-3 years are provided intensive reading programs that ensure their development before they are asked to sit for the 4th grade English Language Arts assessments. We need to take steps to ensure that certified reading teachers provide specially designed reading instruction to special education students. We need to provide a wide range of literature to our students and to offer them school libraries that are modern, well-equipped and replete with resource materials, literature, on-line services.

The New York State Reading Association is pleased to participate with our State legislators, the Governor, the Regents and the Education Commissioner in advancing sound reading principles and effective reading programs in our schools.

We urge you to give this report the attention it deserves and would be pleased to offer comments and information as needed. Thank you.