[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF VIRGINIA LANIER BIASOTTO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 16, 2005

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to honor and pay tribute to Virginia Lanier Biasotto upon her 
nomination as a Jefferson Award finalist. Ms. Biasotto is the founder 
of Reading ASSIST Institute. This institute is a nonprofit 
organization that trains volunteer tutors to implement a one-on-one 
help method using scientific research-based instruction for struggling 
readers. This program is provided at no cost to families or schools.
  Beginning in 1980, Ms. Biasotto developed a reading curriculum based 
on the Orton-Gillingham model, and trained friends at her kitchen 
table. One sound at a time, one child at a time, the groups persistence 
offered the education community a way to deal with the challenge of 
reading difference.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend and congratulate Ms. Biasotto upon her 
nomination as a finalist for the Jefferson Award. Ms. Biasotto's 
determination and drive to educate and empower others serves as an 
example to us all. She is truly worthy of this honor.

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