National Council of Teachers of English

2006 NCTE Legislative Platform

Drafted by the NCTE Government Relations Subcommittee, January 2006; approved by the NCTE Executive Committee, March 2006

Since 1911, the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) has worked to advance teaching, research, and student achievement in English language arts at all scholastic levels. As an active participant in the conversation about improving student achievement, NCTE serves as a resource for policymakers and the education community.

Since reading and writing are the gateways to learning in all disciplines, NCTE believes that all teachers should be adept in teaching the reading and writing strategies appropriate to their discipline in order to increase student achievement. To prepare today’s youth to become accomplished citizens in a world economy, our schools must be structured and funded to provide all students with the literacy support they need in every classroom.

High levels of literacy are necessary for student achievement in all disciplines, including science, technology, and mathematics. Literacy coaching and related professional development across the curriculum are essential components in an educational program that enhances students’ success and America’s competitiveness.

The illiterate of the 21st Century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”

—Alvin Toffler

Early Learning, PreK-Grade 3

The National Council of Teachers of English advocates policies that support language arts teachers in becoming familiar with a broad range of research and in participating in high quality professional development so that they may select from a range of strategies to advance young children’s learning. To achieve this end, Congress should

K-12

The National Council of Teachers of English advocates policies that:

Teacher Preparation

Every student deserves highly qualified teachers who are well-prepared in both content and diverse instructional approaches. The National Council of Teachers of English advocates teacher preparation programs that

On-Going Support

The National Council of Teachers of English advocates policies that:

This position statement may be printed, copied, and disseminated without permission from NCTE.