[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 134 (Thursday, September 22, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      NATIONAL FAMILY LITERACY DAY

                                 ______


                        HON. WILLIAM F. GOODLING

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 1994

  Mr. GOODLING. Mr. Speaker, today Congressman Tom Sawyer and I are 
introducing a joint resolution declaring November 1, 1994 as ``National 
Family Literacy Day.''
  As we look to reforming our Nation's schools, one fact has become 
evident-- there is a strong relationship between the literacy skills of 
a parent and the educational achievement of their children.
  Unfortunately, millions of Americans are trapped in a cycle of 
poverty, dependency, and undereducation--and it impacts heavily on the 
ability of their children to do well in school. Family literacy 
programs open a door for such families, allowing them to work together 
to create a better future.
  Family literacy programs not only provide parents with the literacy 
skills they need to obtain employment and help their children with 
their homework, they provide children with the skills they need to 
start school ready to learn--and to keep learning.
  Several years ago I introduced, and Congress enacted, the Even Start 
Program, a family literacy program which provides parents with 
education and job skills and their children with a quality preschool 
program. In addition, it provides parents with the skills they need to 
truly be their child's first and most important teacher. This program 
has been very successful.
  Family literacy programs such as Even Start can also increase 
parental involvement in education. They encourage parents to read to 
their children and to become active participants in their child's 
education. Secretary of Education, Richard Riley, in outlining his new 
parental involvement effort, cited an Even Start family literacy 
program as a good example of an effective parental involvement program.
  I encourage you to join Congressman Sawyer and I in paying tribute to 
family literacy programs by declaring November 1, 1994 as National 
Family Literacy Day. These programs play an important role in school 
reform, welfare reform, and can even play a role in a reduction in 
crime. They deserve our support.

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