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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2000

News Release

International Reading Association Endorses NEA Reading Task Force Report

Washington, D.C. -- Citing the expert teacher as the "most important variable" in student reading success, the International Reading Association (IRA) has endorsed the report of the National Education Association (NEA) Task Force on Reading 2000.

The report, which also received the stamp of approval from the 177-member NEA Board of Directors, advises teachers, parents, policymakers, school officials, and others that "there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the successful teaching of reading."

NEA President Bob Chase said, "The IRA endorsement of the reading task force report adds another strong voice in support of top-quality professional development for teachers, beginning with pre-service education, continuing with mentoring and other support for new teachers, and not ending until the teacher leaves the classroom."

Among the conclusions of the NEA task force, which was made up of expert reading teachers, was the view that reading success depends on the expertise of teachers and their ability to be flexible in making decisions about what instructional approaches to use, when, and with which students.

The NEA Task Force on Reading 2000 report is part of the Association's Reading Matters literacy initiative, which encompasses three principles: 1) Reading is the gateway to learning and achievement; 2) Good schools don't let any student fail at reading; 3) Schools can't do it alone. NEA's Read Across America, which this year engaged more than 23 million adults and children in what many label the largest annual literacy event in the world, is also a component of the Association's reading initiative.

The complete text of the reading task force report can be found on NEA's Reading Matters website.

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support personnel, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.

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