Brooklyn, NY – Assemblymember Robert Carroll (D/WF-Brooklyn) on Wednesday joined advocates from across the country in Washington, D.C. to call for legislation and resources devoted to reforming how literacy is taught in schools nationwide.

“For too long policy makers and education leaders have ignored sound pedagogy when it comes to childhood literacy with tragic consequences. In New York State, 70 percent of fourth graders cannot read at grade level and the numbers are similarly distressing in most states,” said Assemblymember Carroll speaking on the steps of the Capitol Building. “Working together at the federal, state, and local levels, we can change course and ensure that all our children have the opportunity to become fluent readers and successful students.” 

“National Parents Union was proud to host Assemblymember Carroll, who is a champion of the Right to Read Act in New York, as we call for federal action on our nation’s literacy crisis. We are hopeful that this legislation will pass in New York this session – that alongside the Governor’s investments in teacher training would change the game for New York’s kids,” said Ashara Baker, NY State Director of the National Parents Union. 

Assemblymember Carroll himself grew up with dyslexia and experienced first-hand how much of a difference evidence-based reading interventions can make. He has been in the forefront of the movement to reform how New York approaches teaching literacy to children. Inclusion of elements of Carroll’s Right to Read legislation (A.2897/S.5480), which would establish policy changes that promote the use of evidence-based practices for all kindergarten through fifth grade students in schools throughout that state, are being considered as part of the ongoing State budget negotiations.