Governor joins former President Bush at Dallas literacy forum

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón joined forces with other governors in Dallas earlier this week as part of an invitation extended by former President George W. Bush to the Governors’ Forum on Reading.

“For Puerto Rico, improving reading and literacy is not simply an educational aspiration; it is essential for workforce readiness, economic growth, and a competitive future,” the governor said in a written statement. “Literacy is the gateway to opportunity. Since taking office in January of this year, I have been committed to strengthening schools and expanding bilingual education so that the children of Puerto Rico acquire a solid command of both Spanish and English, skills that open doors nationally and internationally. For us, bilingualism is a strategic asset.”

“Parents must be partners in this effort. Families deserve transparency, accountability, and the freedom to participate in their children’s learning,” the governor added. “Schools must welcome parents, not treat them as outsiders. Rebuilding our economy requires a skilled workforce with strong reading, math, and critical thinking skills.”

The forum began with a private meeting between governors, former President Bush and former first lady Laura Bush. In the afternoon, discussions began on topics related to literacy, such as The Power of Governors to Lead on Reading, moderated by former Florida governor Jeb Bush; Leading on Reading to Strengthen State Economies; and Literacy as a Federal Priority, among others. Some of the moderators included officials from the U.S. Department of Education, governors, former governors, members of bipartisan public policy centers, Harvard University professors, and subject matter experts.