A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Statement by Richard W. Riley, U.S. Secretary of Education

Regarding the 1994 NAEP Reading Assessment

I am disappointed with the lack of improvement reported in this NAEP reading assessment.

These preliminary findings indicate we have a long way to go to equip our students with the tools they will need for success in the next century.

Reading is an essential component of learning and an indicator of future success. Too many students are spending too little time reading and too much time watching mind-numbing television. We need to reemphasize basic reading skills, both in the classroom and at home, while at the same time building on these fundamentals to enhance comprehension and critical analytical skills. The educational initiatives passed last year by a bipartisan majority in Congress will help us achieve these goals.

Parents can play a strong role working with their children and their children's teachers to instill a lifelong love of reading and learning.

I strongly believe that by challenging our students to learn to higher standards, by encouraging parents to participate in their children's education, and by promoting reading both at home and at school, we can increase learning and create opportunities for all students.