A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

   FOR RELEASE                                 Contact:  Diane Jones    May 22, 1995                                       (202) 401-3725

Read*Write*Now! Riley Kicks Off National Reading-Writing Partnership Program

"A recent study found that 90 percent of third and fourth grade students had not read a book or story at home in six months," Riley said. "At least one-fourth of the nation's children watch six hours or more of television each day. We can do better."

Studies show that frequency of reading is a primary indicator of students' academic achievement. A child who spends time reading and writing is often a more successful student and adult. Add to that mix a parent or caring adult who reads frequently with a child and you increase the chances of a child achieving at higher levels.

Riley made the announcement at Beech Tree Elementary School, where he was joined by representatives of the program's sponsors including David Loerstscher, American Association of School Librarians; Michael Thompson, Center for the Book in the Library of Congress; Marva Smalls, senior vice president, Nickeoldeon; Eunice Ellis, director, BOOK IT! Program, Pizza Hut; and Ruth Graves, Reading is Fundamental (RIF).

The READ*WRITE*NOW! national summer reading program encourages children and reading partners -- parents, summer project leaders, senior citizens, teachers, librarians, and students in grade seven and above -- to meet two or more times each week and complete an activity together. Each child will also be challenged to read 20 minutes each day, either individually or with a partner.

Upon meeting the reading and writing goal, sponsors will present their young partners with a certificate for a free personal size pan pizza from Pizza Hut, a national sponsor of the program. Adult partners receive a certificate acknowledging their commitment to the American Initiative on Reading and Writing, an activity of the partnership and its sponsors.

"READ*WRITE*NOW! encourages children and their adult partners to engage in challenging activities that will enhance academic skills," Riley said. "It also offers adult partners a unique opportunity to make a difference in a child's life and inspire a lifelong love of reading."

Children and partners who get involved will receive a READ*WRITE*NOW! kit consisting of a book of activities that support reading and writing as well as a funbook for children in grades pre-K through kindergarten, the first in a series of funbooks which will support the American Initiative on Reading and Writing. In addition, recommended reading lists provided by RIF and the American Libraries Association and a "Strong Families Read Together" bookmark will be included.

Also supporting the summer reading program are the International Reading Association (IRA), the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and Hadassah.

To receive a READ*WRITE*NOW! kit, call 1-800-USA-LEARN. The kit will also be made available through RIF summer programs and Title I schools.

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