Education Law

Three cheers for summer reading

Education leaders have always recognized the importance of summer reading and encouraged students to put their noses into books in between trips to the playground and pool. Now, we know that homework in the summer isn't always a favorite, but thanks to the Houston Chronicle, BoardBuzz is satisfied to hear that some students are enjoying summer reading programs.

The Houston Public Library certainly got the ball rolling this summer. About 67,000 children and teenagers signed up for their summer program pledging to either read 10 books or for 10 hours over the summer. Library officials have reported that about 16 percent of students have read all 10 books, with some well exceeding the expectations. Five-year-old Angeleana Chan has successfully read 123 books this summer, earning herself a ticket to the Barnum & Bailey Circus!

The Houston Independent School District also created a reading program, hoping to keep students' minds active during vacation. The program, the Millionaire's Club, hopes to have its 200,000 students read a combined total of one million books.

Has your school district or community motivated you to take some time to read? Tell us about it.

Full post as published by BoardBuzz: NSBA's Daily Weblog on August 12, 2008 (boomark / email).