Jumpstart's Read for the Record

JUMPSTART'S READ FOR THE RECORD -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 25, 2006)

SPEECH OF HON. JOE WILSON OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, JULY 25, 2006

* Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, literacy development begins at the early stages of a child's life and is the building block to future success. If we as a nation want to enhance our competitive edge in the global marketplace, we must ensure that our children have the basic reading skills to become successful in the classroom and later in the workplace.

* On August 24, 2006, people around the country will participate in Jumpstart's ``Read for the Record.'' This unique event will attempt to set the world record for the number of children reading a single book, or being read to, and at the same time allow people of all ages to work together in overcoming the school readiness issues facing our country.

* This reading experience will use one of the best known child motivational stories ever produced--The Little Engine That Could. In honor of this day, a special edition of the story was created to include proven reading techniques to help our children grasp core reading foundations. This custom edition was funded solely by a private company dedicated to reading excellence.

* Mrs. Laura Bush is the Honorary Chair of Jumpstart's ``Read for the Record'' project. As a former teacher, Mrs. Bush understands the need for strong reading development.

* Demonstrating this project's importance, NBC's Today Show will host a special segment to cover proven reading techniques. Matt Lauer will then read this classic book to children.

* I would like to thank Principal Mary Ellen Parks Shell Point Elementary School in Beaufort, South Carolina, for inviting me on August 24th to read to a group of kindergarten students. As an award-winning school dedicated in closing the achievement gap in learning, I am extremely encouraged that the faculty and staff at Shell Point are totally committed to early childhood development through enhanced reading skills.

* Jumpstart's ``Read for the Record'' will raise the necessary awareness and emphasize the importance of early learning in every family. Participation in this event will support the goal that every child can read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade. For more information on how you too can foster stronger reading skills in our children, please visit www.readfortherecord.org.

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