April 23, 2009
On behalf of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), I write to you to thank you for efforts by Congress to increase the federal investment in programs that support literacy education across our society. I also would like to alert you to two forthcoming initiatives that will be instrumental in preparing students and writers of all ages to meet the literacy challenges of the 21st century, and thus merit your special attention and support: a National Day on Writing and a Comprehensive Literacy Plan.
National Day on Writing
Research from NCTE affirms that the practice of writing has become the quintessential 21st century skill. More Americans than ever before are writing daily—to communicate, to learn during school, to solve problems, to build businesses, to advance professionally, to create a civil society, and to participate in a global community. They are using new digital tools and reaching new audiences around the world. To mark this revolution in writing and draw attention to the need to continue to improve as a nation of writers, NCTE calls upon Congress to approve a resolution to establish October 20, 2009, as the National Day on Writing. On that day, NCTE will inaugurate the virtual National Gallery of Writing, featuring hundreds of thousands of contributions from writers in all walks of life. Local celebrations and writing events will be held across the country to mark what we have achieved—and where we need to improve—as a nation of writers. Congressional support for this resolution will be instrumental in advancing literacy for Americans of all ages and backgrounds.
Comprehensive Literacy Plan
Extensive research shows that literacy learning begins at birth and extends over a lifetime. Although literacy instruction and practice are essential at all grade levels in school, too often government aid to advance literacy learning has focused on a narrow range of grade levels or skill sets. That is why NCTE has joined with other literacy advocacy organizations to support a comprehensive literacy bill. This legislation aligns pre-school, school, and after-school initiatives to provide high quality literacy instruction from the earliest ages through the high school years. It includes ongoing professional development for educators based on scientifically valid research and documented effects of that professional development. It helps educators use formative assessment so that learners receive the kinds of instruction that benefit them most. It also advances the development of 21st century literacies so that students not only learn to read and write but can solve problems and communicate clearly with different audiences, in different settings, across a lifetime that will bring changes we can scarcely imagine today.
The National Council of Teachers of English believes that every student deserves highly qualified teachers to teach the range of literacy skills needed in the world today. We value your efforts to enact public policy measures that support this goal. When you are contacted about supporting the National Day on Writing and the comprehensive literacy bill, we hope that you will enthusiastically endorse these initiatives. If you have questions or would like further information, please contact NCTE at 202-316-6828. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kent Williamson, Executive Director
National Council of Teachers of English