Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee celebrated March 2-6 as Read Across America Week and proclaimed it Literacy Month in Tennessee, highlighting the Administration’s continued work to strengthen literacy and prepare young readers for success. Governor Lee partnered with the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation and Cheatham County School District to visit students and distribute books at Pleasant View Elementary School.
“Tennessee students are leading the nation in reading proficiency gains thanks to our state’s strong K-3rd grade literacy strategy, and in the month of March, we’re recognizing our continued commitment to literacy,” said Gov. Lee. “I’m grateful to partner with the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation, which is shaping the future of our state by fostering a love of reading in our youngest learners.”
Lee’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget proposal includes more than $33 million in state funding to continue prioritizing K-3 literacy programs to provide students with multiple pathways to becoming a strong reader.
The proposal builds upon Lee’s strategy to boost K-12 literacy and address learning loss with strong support and resources beginning in kindergarten, including free tutoring, summer camps or options for re-testing.