Champions for the Cause

Based on a story written by Sheila Poore and printed in “The Practice Page,
a Newsletter for Kentucky Reading Recovery Professionals”

Reading Recovery was recently shut out of some federal funding in Kentucky. But two Reading Recovery teachers from the Jefferson County Public School system, Diane Evans and Carolyn Von Sick, decided to take action. Diane wrote to Anne Northup, their U.S. representative. She detailed the importance of the one-to-one lessons in the reading life of the most-struggling reader. Then she invited Anne to observe a lesson at her school, and Northrup’s aide accepted. The aide was duly impressed and took copious
notes.

But it was election year, and Northup was replaced by Congressman John Yarmuth. This time, Carolyn wrote the letter and followed up with emails and phone calls. Congressman Yarmuth set a date to come and observe. Carolyn also invited State Senator Tim Firkins to attend. Again, the visitors were impressed and asked astute questions. Congressman Yarmuth currently serves on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee in Washington and supports reading in key bills such as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

Both Carolyn and Diane serve as excellent examples of how determination and action can positively influence our legislators, and ultimately, the legislators who work directly with education. As Diane says, “What do you have to lose?”