She begins:
THERE is increasing evidence internationally that a high level of literacy is critical for young people and adults to have a productive personal and working life. It is also a key to finding our place in society, to using laptops effectively, to accessing and interpreting information, and to understanding and enjoying the riches to be found in the world of books and ideas.
Australia is sadly lagging in what is widely known internationally as reader development. Many countries have instituted national organisations to create and deliver innovative programs to foster reading and literacy. This goes well beyond teaching initial literacy and implies an active engagement in reading and reading-related activities from babyhood to old age. Our new government could be inspired and informed by some of these initiatives. If the Government takes a lead, creates an expectation of action and invests some real (not huge) funds, then business and philanthropic funds will follow.
Australia is sadly lagging in what is widely known internationally as reader development. Many countries have instituted national organisations to create and deliver innovative programs to foster reading and literacy. This goes well beyond teaching initial literacy and implies an active engagement in reading and reading-related activities from babyhood to old age. Our new government could be inspired and informed by some of these initiatives. If the Government takes a lead, creates an expectation of action and invests some real (not huge) funds, then business and philanthropic funds will follow.
She then gives some practical suggestions.
Worth reading by teacher librarians, teachers, principals, parents, the community and particularly, politicians.
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