To Whom it May Concern:
I recently completed a 38-year career in education 23 of those as a superintendent. During that career I cannot count the number of programs and educational products that I was introduced to that promised to change educational outcomes for students. Or the legislation initiatives enacted at the state and federal level that were going to transform our schools and improve educational outcomes for student s. Unfortunately, very few pieces of legislation, educational products or programs make a significant difference in the lives of children. These initiatives failed because they did not address the one aspect of learning that is key to improving educational outcomes which is developing in students the desire to read. Research has identified the skills that are necessary to read successfully decoding, fluency, vocabulary, phonemic awareness are taught in every school in this nation. What we do not is develop in every student is a love, interest, desire, for reading. Which is exactly what Gary Anderson is attempting to do with All Districts Read.
I have experienced firsthand the difference that in makes for a student’s when a community is able to focus on literacy for an entire week, by reading the same book. The satisfaction that children have when they see a book that they are reading in a business, in the home of a neighbor, or in the car of a police officer, and can engage in a discussion about the chapter they just finished reading, is so empowering
for students. While it may be hard to believe for some children this was the first time that they had ever read to their parents, and because we asked parents to their children it was the first time in years that some parents had read to their child.
I know at first glance it seems so simple. Why do districts need an organization to make this happen? It is a question I asked myself when my assistant superintendent for curriculum brought the program for my approval. What I discovered was that it takes a great deal of planning to select books and develop curriculum. Truthfully because of all the state and federal mandates teachers and administrative staff do not have enough time to do that on their own. I also found that being a part of a national program seemed to encourage more of our business community to get behind our initiative.
All Districts Read is an important educational initiative and if funding can be secured to get the program in the hands of school district leaders across the county it will make a difference for students. Putting books in the hands of children, engaging local business in reading to students, encouraging families to set aside time for a week to read together is the first important step in showing children that reading can be fun, which is crucial first step in creating a desire to read.
Dr. David Pennington Executive Director
United Suburban Schools Association
David.pennington@ussaok.org
580-761-8257
To Whom It May Concern:
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
I am proud to say I have known Gary Anderson for 10+ years. I have witnessed his passion for the Read Aloud program. I am excited to he has started All District Reads in Coastal Virginia. Having presented with Gary at national conferences and worked with him individually over the years, I can confidently share that he has the wisdom and knowledge to prepare a first-rate literacy advocacy program.
I am thrilled to hear that All District Reads plans to promote family literacy. This program will support schools districts-wide with literature, support materials, and create an opportunity for not only family, but also community involvement.
In Little Rock School District, we have taken this approach for the past five years. We love having a book that is engaging and extends the learning into other areas. We know that when we tie the book to financial literacy or STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Math) it makes the reading that more relevant for all involved. This is a solution that can be easily executed with this blueprint.
We look forward to partnering with All District Reads in the near future and welcome other school districts to join us on promoting family literacy. Through choosing books that students find entertaining and that educators can tie back to the standards, we all make an impact in a child’s future.
Sincerely,
Michael Alan Poore Superintendent