Laura Bush: First Lady of Literacy
Laura Bush: First Lady of Literacy
Reading proficiency is important for success in school and in life. The Annie E. Casey Foundation states that students who cannot read proficiently by the third grade are four times more likely to drop out of school. Lack of reading skills also affects an adult’s chance of success at work. The Educational Testing Service finds adults with lower literacy skills are less prepared for the ever-changing work environment and are given fewer opportunities to engage in job training programs. First Lady Laura Bush, with her background as an educator and a librarian, recognized the importance of literacy. She addressed these issues in several initiatives while her husband held office (2001-2009) and continues to impact literacy today.
In 2001, Mrs. Bush co-founded the National Book Festival, which supports lifetime enjoyment of reading and has continued under the Obama Administration. Also in 2001, Mrs. Bush began supporting the Bush administration’s push to improve school performance by supporting new programs, “Reading First” and “Striving Readers”. These programs supported efforts to help struggling readers in elementary schools and middle/high schools, respectively.
In an interview with Education Update Newspaper in 2004, Mrs. Bush stated that some children are missing the basics of reading because families and caregivers of young children do not understand the importance of reading and engaging in word play. Other families simply cannot afford books. As a result, Mrs. Bush launched “Ready to Read, Ready to Learn”. It provided early childhood education resources to parents and caregivers in an effort to ensure that children would be ready to learn read and learn upon entering their first classroom.
Mrs. Bush has supported literacy in all parts of the world. In 2003, she became honorary ambassador to the United Nations Literacy Decade, working to promote global literacy programs. In 2006, Mrs. Bush established the White House Conference on Global Literacy, a gathering of world leaders who met to learn successful literacy practices. As first lady, Mrs. Bush also met with students in many nations encouraging girls and women in particular to improve their literacy and pursue education.