Jackson Co. Schools Supervisor Says Lee’s Funding For Books Will Help

An Upper Cumberland curriculum supervisor thinks Governor Bill Lee’s proposed state funding for young readers will help the learning gap.

Lee has proposed $2 million to provide four books and reading resources for students entering first grade across the state. Jackson County Schools Instruction Supervisor Tammy Woolbright said the time period after kindergarten is critical in developing reading skills.

“These books would be a big help for reading here in our state,” Woolbright said. “Anytime our students can be exposed to books, especially throughout the summer. That gives them opportunity to increase their vocabulary and also to build knowledge that will help with their comprehension.”

Woolbright said these books will go hand in hand with Jackson County’s new reading curriculum that focuses on phonics instruction. Woolbright said as a former teacher, it is exciting to see more investments to improve reading levels.

“If you look at the budget and moving forward, we see a lot of commitment towards learning loss and trying to decrease those gaps,” Woolbright said. “Here in Jackson County, we have had the opportunity over the past two years to be a part of a reading grant, the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation Grant, and our students have been receiving books throughout the summer. So, it is exciting  to hear that also may be extended to schools across the state.”