Reading First

PRESS RELEASE: MARCH 2, 2006

READING FIRST GRANT AWARDS

The State Education Department is pleased to announce the award of Reading First grants to thirteen public school districts / charter schools that submitted successful proposals in January 2006. The Reading First grants will provide resources for research-based instructional programs and teacher professional development in Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 3 classrooms in eighteen selected schools. The Reading First program for the newly awarded schools will begin July 1, 2006 and will continue for three years, contingent upon satisfactory implementation of scientifically based reading instruction.

The newly awarded Reading First districts/charter schools are:

1. Brasher Falls

2. Cuba Rushford

3. Dundee

4. Genesee Valley

5. Lisbon / Heuvelton (Consortium)

6. Little Falls

7. Lyndonville

8. Olean

9. Penn Yan

10. Remsen

11. South Buffalo Charter

12. Wellesville

13. Whitesville

The goal of the Reading First program is to have all children, including children with disabilities and English language learners, read by the end of third grade. Reading First was established under No Child left Behind, 2001, and provides three year grants to selected local education authorities. Approximately 200 schools are currently participating in the Reading First program in New York State. Additional awards will be made in Spring 2006.

For more information, please contact: Susan Megna at 518-474-5807 or by email at emsceeri@mail.nysed.gov.