National literacy organization recognizes Saltzman

• Literacy award

Sen. Kathy Saltzman, DFL-Woodbury (center right with award), is joined by the team of parent advocates and literacy professionals who worked with her over three sessions to ensure passage of stronger literacy legislation. She is joined by Sen. Gen Olson, R-Minnetrista (center left), and Rebecca Schmitt, far right, from Woodbury. Submitted photo.

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State Sen. Kathy Saltzman received national recognition last week for her legislative work to improve reading instruction for Minnesota students in a ceremony held Monday, Oct. 26, in the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda.

Saltzman, of Woodbury, and four other individuals who worked with her in passing the legislation were presented with certificates of recognition from the National Association for Reading First for their “leadership in supporting groundbreaking literacy legislation in Minnesota,” and for their three-year sustained effort championing the passage of strong literacy measures, signed into law earlier this year.

The new law, which Saltzman, a DFLer, helped pass in the Senate with Sen. Gen Olson, R-Minnetrista, focuses on ensuring all children, especially those who struggle to read, receive the effective, research based reading instruction identified by studies completed by the National Reading Panel.

Others recognized at Monday’s event include Sen. Gen Olson, R-Minnetrista, John Alexander, M.Ed.-head of school for Groves Academy (St. Louis Park); Susan Thomsen, educational therapist; and Bette Erickson, educational therapist and vice president for the International Dyslexia Association, Upper Midwest Branch.

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