GOVERNOR PATAKI, COMMISSIONER MILLS ANNOUNCE OVER $71M FOR STATE’S "READING FIRST" INITIATIVE

New Funds Will Continue Efforts to Boost Early Literacy and Train Teachers

Governor George E. Pataki and State Education Commissioner Richard Mills today announced more than $71 million in funding has been awarded to 48 school districts and charter schools across New York under the State’s Reading First Initiative.  Reading First is a federally funded program that is designed to help schools improve their reading programs for students in kindergarten through third grade.

            “This funding will help ensure that every child across the State has the opportunity to develop strong reading skills and represents the next step in achieving our goal of making New York’s education system the best in America.”  Governor Pataki said, “Through Reading First, we are providing critical support to schools in our communities that need it most, so that every child has the opportunity to learn to read, succeed in school and secure a brighter future.”

State Education Commissioner Richard Mills said, “Learning to read is the key to a good education.  This grant will help many thousands of children learn to read at the right time – when they first begin school. The funding will build on a five-year record of continuous gains in student achievement that is reflected in rising test scores in elementary school. This will help keep the momentum going so that more children achieve the standards.

            A total of 48 school districts and charter schools in New York will be awarded a total of $71.3 million in Reading First funds this year.  Awards to school districts and charter schools were determined after a competitive application and scoring process conducted by an external panel of reviewers, in conjunction with the Department.