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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 1998

The Cat in the Hat Comes Back for 'Read Across America' National Education Association Prepares for Nationwide Read-In March 2

WASHINGTON, D.C. - By popular demand, teachers nationwide have called upon the Cat in the Hat to come back and remind children to keep reading every day. As part of its literacy initiative to encourage early childhood reading, the National Education Association (NEA) will reprise its role as sponsor of the nation's largest-ever read-in, "Read Across America." Last spring an estimated 10 million children and adults celebrated reading on the March 2 birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss.

Developing a love for reading through the "Read Across America" campaign is a critical element in NEA's literacy efforts. NEA, the nation's largest organization of teachers and school staff, recognizes that good reading skills are the cornerstone to success. Research confirms that reading aloud to children is one important way to help them become successful readers, improve comprehension and develop a strong vocabulary. Teachers know the more children read outside of school for fun, the better they do in school.

"Literacy is the passport to a quality education," said NEA President Bob Chase. "When 40 percent of all nine-year-olds read below grade level, it is clear that we need an all-out offensive to help children read. NEA's second annual celebration of 'Read Across America' on March 2 is specifically designed to make reading fun."

"Read Across America" falls on the birthday of the late Ted Geisel, known to the world as Dr. Seuss. His most famous character, the Cat in the Hat, is the mascot for "Read Across America." The larger than life cat in the trademark stovepipe hat is scheduled to greet children and adults across the country in a delightful quest to urge children to read and to remind adults to take a more active role in reading to children.

The 1998 "Read Across America" campaign inspired hundreds of thousands of NEA members to organize thousands of special local events nationwide to focus attention on the importance of reading to children often from an early age. Educators, parents, students, and concerned adults spent the day reading to children in a variety of settings, including schools, libraries, museums, and community centers.

Last March, children and adults across the nation participated in a creative mix of events nationwide ranging from pajama party read-ins to green eggs and ham served at school cafeterias by local chefs. In the Virginia House of Delegates, members donned the red and white striped stovepipe hats as they passed a "Read Across America" resolution. Even President Bill Clinton and Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich got into the act by setting aside partisan differences long enough to support the reading campaign. Speaker Newt Gingrich read his favorite children's book, Corduroy, with first-graders at a D.C. elementary school while President Clinton used his weekly radio address to urge all Americans to read.

Film stars and sports celebrities were not to be outdone by the politicians. Many offered poignant stories behind their desire to encourage children to read. Baseball legend and honorary "Read Across America" chair Cal Ripken stole time out from the spring training dugout to read to kids in the stands. James Earl Jones, Kirk Douglas, John Goodman, and dozens of other celebrities found time in their busy schedules to send the message by example that the most important thing a parent or any caring adult can do is read to a child.

NEA has sent out an appeal for new pledges to participate in 1999. Actor Kirk Douglas has renewed his pledge to read to children. One brave principal has pledged to eat worms in a reading challenge to his students. Firefighters, students, and business executives have again pledged to do their part. And Dr. Seuss' most famous culinary dish, green eggs and ham, will be on the menu in school cafeterias across the country.

"The enthusiasm and sheer fun of whole communities coming together to celebrate reading are infectious," added Chase. "We fully expect to see participation in 'Read Across America' double this coming March."

NEA is encouraging groups and individuals to get involved and make "Read Across America" an event that occurs in every community in 1999. Groups and individuals interested in creating or participating in an activity can obtain details by visiting NEA's website at http://www.nea.org, calling NEA's Fax on Demand service at 1-888-747-READ, or writing "Read Across America," c/o NEA, 1201 16th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.

The American Library Association, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the International Reading Association, the National PTA, Reading is Fundamental and many more organizations are expected to join NEA in celebrating "Read Across America" on March 2, 1999.

Members of the media may obtain photos and video footage from last year's celebration.