Northern Arizona University

What is the America Reads Challenge?

The America Reads Challenge was initiated by President Clinton to "ensure that every American child (could) read well and independently by the end of the third grade." The America Reads Challenge calls on schools, families, and communities to get involved in helping children read well.

The importance of this program lies in the fact that reading is the foundation for all other learning. Unfortunately, not all of America's children are learning to read. In 1994, 40% of fourth-graders did not attain a basic level of reading. In an effort to help children with the fundamentals of reading, America Reads tutors are sent into the local elementary schools. Overall, "the fundamental purpose of the America Reads Challenge is to enable parents and educators to complement and expand existing successful literacy efforts to help many more children increase their skills and achievement levels, and to provide children who need additional help in reading with extended learning time."