Government Spends Billions on Education, but Reading Score Assessment Shows No Significant Improvement

Since 1975, a six-fold increase in funding has gone into our educational system and yet, NAEP reading test scores reflect no significant difference. These statistics support the fact that schools need help from non-profit organizations like Adopt-An-Author, a nationwide program that actually makes reading fun for students.

Adopt-An-Author, founded by author Steve Alten, began when middle and high school teachers realized MEG and other Alten novels were very popular among students. Steve responded by offering free curriculum to the teachers and interactive websites to the students. Another unique feature in the program is that the teacher and students interact with the author, through classroom conference calls, email, and visitations. Steve comments, Teachers have been amazed at how well their students have taken to Adopt-An-Author. The combination of exciting novels and direct contact with the author adds a whole new dimension to learning." Adopt-An-Author is going on its third year, with well over 1,500 schools (over 30,000 students) enrolled in the program nationwide.

Steves novels are filled with science facts and research. His most recent novel, GOLIATH, (due out in mass paperback in July) deals with nuclear proliferation and the threat of biological weapons. Booklist reviewed, Alten offers readers, particularly young adults, much to think about, morally and politically." Though GOLIATH was written before 9/11, much of what has happened since occurs in the story.

While Adopt-An-Author grew from the huge response to Altens books, the program also recommends exciting books written by other authors, which helps teachers educate their students in many academic areas.

Steve will be at the National Education Association Expo July 1-3 in New Orleans. The NEA is Americas oldest and largest organization committed to advancing the cause of public education. Steve will be hosting an exhibit featuring the jaws of the Carchardon megalodon shark (the central character in author Steve Altens engrossing best-seller, MEG), along with registering teachers for Adopt-An-Author.

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