(ANNAPOLIS, MD) — First Lady Dawn Moore on Monday launched #ReadMoreMaryland, a statewide campaign to boost literacy among Maryland students.
“Reading opens doors, builds confidence, and helps all of us dream bigger,” said First Lady Dawn Moore. “While Maryland is quickly becoming a national leader in literacy—jumping twenty slots in national rankings in just two years—we know there is still work to be done. Our administration remains committed to making Maryland schools the best in the nation, and we know it’s going to take all of us to ensure every child in Maryland has the tools to succeed.”
The campaign, developed with the Governor's Office for Children and the Maryland State Department of Education, runs through the end of March. Moore is asking Marylanders to post photos or videos of themselves reading with someone they love, tag three others to join and use the hashtag #ReadMoreMaryland. At the end of the month, five young participants and their families will be invited to Annapolis to meet the first lady.
“Literacy is the foundation of a child's success—which is why the Moore-Miller Administration is making record investments in public education to improve reading outcomes across the state,” said Governor’s Office for Children Special Secretary Carmel Martin. “To continue the progress we’ve made we must deliver support where it’s needed most and close literacy gaps for boys, children of color, and children living in poverty. The administration will continue to follow the data and implement strategic solutions to ensure every child in Maryland receives a world-class education.”
The push comes as Maryland has climbed from 40th to 20th in the nation for literacy over the past two years, with reading scores rising in nearly every grade level. Graduation rates have also increased and teacher vacancy rates have been cut in half.
