Today, Gov. Bill Lee marked 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 and First Lady Maria Lee visited Huntingdon Primary School in Carroll County to cap Read Across America Week and read with students.
“Tennessee students are leading the nation in reading proficiency gains thanks to our state’s strong literacy strategy and teachers’ dedication to supporting young readers,” said Gov. Lee. “Every student deserves the opportunity to thrive, and in the month of March, we’re celebrating our continued commitment to literacy and ensuring that every child can reach their full potential.”
Lee’s Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget proposal includes more than $27 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, which passed with broad bipartisan support in 2021. The strategy provides strong support and resources beginning in kindergarten, including free tutoring, summer camps or options for re-testing.