This booklet discusses the importance of all students being guaranteed a carefully crafted and appropriately balanced approach to reading instruction. Section 1, "Beginning Reading Instruction," discusses variation and inequity in reading instruction and reading skills nationwide. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has made it a priority to ensure high quality professional development in reading instruction skills for all elementary teachers; to raise preparation and licensure standards for elementary teachers; to develop certification standards for elementary paraprofessionals; to support quality early childhood and preschool programs; and to increase the availability of quality programs and materials in reading and English language arts. The AFT pledges to collaborate with other educational organizations to work on this issue, disseminate information, and provide high quality professional development to teachers and paraprofessionals. Section 2, "Questions and Answers," answers questions on the need for a reading resolution; reading research and phonics; research on reading difficulties among regular-education versus special-education students; a balanced approach to reading instruction; the paraprofessional role; diagnostic assessments in kindergarten; and older students' reading needs. Section 3, "Background Information," presents an essay written by Liz McPike that discusses the importance of reading skills and what is known about how best to help children learn to read. Section 4, "Background Reading," presents suggested reading materials. (SM)