Gov. Nathan Deal and First Lady Sandra Deal were joined today by Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Commissioner Amy Jacobs, state School Superintendent Richard Woods and author Coy Bowles of the Zac Brown Band to kick off “Read Across Georgia” month, a campaign that supports increased childhood literacy in the state.

“During my administration, Sandra and I have made increasing the percentage of Georgia’s third grade students reading at grade level a top priority,” said Deal. “A firm literary foundation is essential for the academic success of our state’s youngest learners, and the ‘Read Across Georgia’ initiative helps to provide just that. With the help of state agencies and organizations, we have made great strides in achieving this goal. By prioritizing early childhood education, we ensure that our youngest students are positioned for future academic excellence.”

First Lady Deal will visit and read to Georgia’s Pre-K Program and elementary school students across the state throughout March.

“March is ‘Read Across Georgia’ month, the specific time set aside to emphasize the importance of learning how to read and practicing that skill until it is mastered,” said Mrs. Deal. “For those of us who attained that treasure earlier, this month is a time to give back. Offer to be a guest reader at a school, library, or listen to a child read. Help a second language non-reading adult sign up for classes and give back the gift of reading.”

As a part of celebrations, First Lady Deal introduced Bowles’ new book, “Will Powers: Where There’s a Will There’s a Way,” a story about overcoming self-entitlement and achieving goals with dedication and a strong work ethic.

“I'm so excited to work with Mrs. Deal on this collaboration for ‘Read Across Georgia’,” said Bowles. “The idea of reading my children's book to kids and exposing them to the positive message of the power of hard work and self-confidence is so awesome. Self-entitlement is a big issue facing our kids, parents, and teachers today. Hopefully Mrs. Deal and I can help by sharing a story with them that provides an example and answers.”

The “Read Across Georgia” campaign, launched in 2012, supports the Governor’s Grade Level Reading initiative with the goal that all Georgia students are reading at grade level or better by the end of the third grade.

“Once again, DECAL is excited to partner with the First Lady in her annual ‘Read Across Georgia’ campaign,” said DECAL Commissioner Amy Jacobs. “For years, the Governor and Mrs. Deal have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to early literacy by reading to children in child care learning centers and Georgia’s Pre-K classrooms across the state. Together we are guiding Georgia’s youngest learners toward a path to read on grade level by the end of the third grade, a predictor of future positive outcomes for children.”