As a conservative, I believe the effectiveness of government is limited, but the creativity of private citizens is infinite.
Government can successfully facilitate but never dictate.
I must say, as a U.S. senator I've seen a lot of proposals to combat illiteracy come and go, but recently I learned of an especially impressive and measured program that is really working. Bobbi Barrows of Picayune is utilizing a reading program formulated by the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital to help teach local adults and dyslexic children how to read. As its name suggests, H.O.P.E. recognizes that education starts in the home, with parents and guardians. However, this first and most important education is sometimes limited by the parents or guardians own educational deficiencies, which in turn puts their children at risk. Because of this versatile program, Bobbi, was able to initiate a literacy class for eight adults using the Scottish Rite material.