Support Comprehensive Literacy Learning

Please take time to ask your Senators and Representative to support a comprehensive approach to literacy learning by appropriating money in FY13 for continuation of the Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Program, the first federal program to support a comprehensive, aligned approach to literacy learning AND by assuring that the LEARN elements addressing literacy learning of all students be central in the reauthorization of ESEA.

To call:  Contact the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121, give your zip code and the operator will connect you to your legislator’s office (you will need to repeat this to contact all three of your legislators).  Please leave the message above.   You can do this 24 hours a day and leave a voice mail if necessary.   

To write in support of this issue:  Use the letter template below.

• Please take a few minutes to edit the letter in the template after paragraph two to add a brief personal example demonstrating the importance of evaluating teachers by multiple factors.
  

For your information, the NCTE Legislative Platform calls upon policymakers at all levels to

Support a comprehensive, cross-curricular literacy policy that:

• Requires a sustained investment in literacy learning and instruction from birth through grade 12, including provision of wrap-around services such as expanded access to school libraries, books, and other support services.
• Supports the implementation of state literacy plans as described in the Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Program and the LEARN Act.
• Implements a comprehensive, cross-curricular literacy plan through ongoing, job-embedded professional development situated in communities of practice throughout all stages of teachers' careers.
• Demonstrates the interdependent and reciprocal relationship of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and digital literacy practices.
• Creates equitable learning environments rich in a variety of complex texts, media, and technologies.
• Requires developmentally and contextually appropriate instruction that meaningfully engages students.
• Supports systematic, comprehensive literacy instruction informed by cross-curricular and cross-grade-level teacher teams.
• Empowers teachers to generate and adapt formative assessments to fit diverse instructional needs.
• Encourages literacy learning opportunities after school and at home.