Tennessee Governor Bill Lee showed true leadership today in signing legislation addressing the critical issue of early literacy and learning loss. Governor Jeb Bush, founder and chairman of ExcelinEd, joined two ExcelinEd board members in praising this new policy to directly support students in Tennessee.
“Great leaders are bold, clear and decisive when confronted with a formidable challenge,” said Governor Bush. “Governor Bill Lee met the moment by asking lawmakers to quickly approve education policies that support families and educators as they work together to ensure our youngest students aren’t left behind.
“While 2020 brought chaos to the world of learning, the need and desire to read, learn and achieve success as a student and as a person was never diminished.”
From kindergarten through third grade, children are learning to read. Then in fourth grade, they transition to use reading to learn. A comprehensive state early literacy policy can ensure all students enter fourth grade with the foundational reading skills they need to learn, graduate and succeed.
Dee Bagwell Haslam is an ExcelinEd board member as well as the CEO of Haslam Sports Group and Partner/Executive Producer RIVR Media.
“Reading is the foundation of all opportunity,” said Haslam. “I have seen the power of early literacy and how this policy can lift up students, families and communities. Thank you to Governor Lee and to all Tennessee educators working to help students thrive and learn.”
If children can’t read, they don’t stand a chance for a successful future. States must ensure every child learns how to read no later than the end of third grade.
“Students in all parts of Tennessee deserve the chance to pursue their dreams,” said Janet Ayers, ExcelinEd board member and President of The Ayers Foundation. “Strong reading skills are the key to that pursuit. Thank you to Governor Lee, legislators and teachers for ensuring this new early literacy policy is focused on student success.”
Governor Bush knows it takes broad support from committed leaders to affect real change.
“I applaud Governor Lee, Lt. Governor Randy McNally, Speaker Cameron Sexton, and Majority Leaders Jack Johnson and William Lamberth for their leadership in prioritizing education and bringing hope and support to Tennessee’s students who deserve a strong foundation for pursuing their dreams inside the classroom and well into their future,” said Governor Bush.
These new laws will help Tennessee’s children by putting proven policies into action, including:
For more information on the critical need for policies related to early literacy, please visit the ExcelinEd policy library.
