This article is reprinted from Texas Child Care, a quarterly newspaper published by the Texas Workforce Commission. I believe that the education of our children is one of the most sacred duties entrusted to us all. Education is to a state what national defense is to the federal government - our No. 1 priority and most urgent challenge. Reading is to the mind what food is to the body.
Nothing is more basic or more essential.
In my administration, nothing will take a higher priority. Our children must learn to read on grade level by the end of third grade and continue to read on grade level throughout their public schooling. In Texas, all of our children are going to learn the basic skill on which the rest of their lives depend - the ability to read. As parents, you will play a crucial role in achieving this goal. Teaching and learning can happen when you and your children do simple and fun things at home.