In Florida and in the nation, literacy has the spotlight. President Bush has supported the No Child Left Behind Act, and Florida's reading initiative is called "Just Read, Florida!"

Let's take a brief look at these programs. There's never been a more opportune time for adult educators to do everything possible to help parent-students help their children become successful readers.

The federal No Child Left Behind Act was signed into law in January 2002, providing literally billions of dollars to close the literacy gap, and help all children reach and surpass the basics of functional literacy. Special education, Title I, and Pell grants have received special attention, as have the needs for qualified teachers and mentors. Annual assessments for each student have been mandated and designated in the federal funding.

A portion of this funding was allocated for parent education through adult education and programs such as EvenStart, with the goal of breaking cycles of illiteracy by helping disadvantaged parents help their children succeed in school.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this web-based training component, it is not an official publication of the Florida Department of Education.