[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 105 (Wednesday, July 23, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S7970]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           MIKULSKI AMENDMENT ON AMERICORPS LITERACY FUNDING

 Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I commend my colleague, Senator 
Mikulski, for her leadership yesterday in seeking $20 million for 
President Clinton's America Reads initiative. This amendment supports 
1,300 AmeriCorps members who will serve as literacy tutors to help 
children learn to read--and read well--by the end of the third grade.
  Reading is a fundamental skill for learning, but too many children 
have trouble learning how to read. If students don't learn to read in 
the early elementary school years, it is virtually impossible for them 
to keep up later. According to a recent study, 40 percent of fourth 
grade students don't attain the basic level of reading, and 70 percent 
don't attain the proficient level.
  Research shows that reading skills are developed not only in the home 
and in the classroom, but also in communities and libraries. Sustained, 
reading opportunities outside the regular school day and during the 
summer can raise reading levels when combined with other instruction. 
Only 30 minutes a day of reading aloud with an adult can enable a young 
child to make real gains in reading. Adults also serve as role models 
for young children.
  I commend Senator Mikulski for her effective leadership in the 
extremely important area of community service and childhood literacy. 
Every child can learn to read well, and every child deserves that 
chance. No child should be left out or left behind.

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