READING FIRST GRANT PROPOSAL
Governor Jeb Bush, Commissioner of Education Charlie Crist and Secretary of Education Jim
Horne have submitted Florida’s
Reading First
proposal to the United States Department of
Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. The state will use the funding to
provide more effective reading instruction and increased student achievements in the K-20
education system.
“Reading is the most powerful skill a child can learn. Reading influences our success in school
and improves the overall quality of our life,” Governor Bush said. “Through the
Just Read,
Florida!
initiative and with the help of our schools, families, mentors, communities and the
Reading First
program, we will strive to put all Floridians in a position to become successful
readers so they may flourish in life and develop a love for reading.”
In September 2001, Governor Bush signed an executive order creating the
Just Read, Florida!
initiative, an effort to create a comprehensive and coordinated reading strategy aimed at helping
every student become a successful and independent reader. The ultimate goal of this reading
initiative is that every child in Florida will attain grade level or higher reading skills by 2012.
Just Read, Florida!
is designed to guide changes at every level of education that has an impact
on reading outcomes in Florida schools. It also provides for parent, business and community
involvement.
Just Read, Florida!
is consistent with the scientifically-based research in reading that underlies
the Reading First component of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The purpose of the
Reading First grant is to assist Florida districts and schools to implement proven methods of
early reading instruction in classrooms in order to prevent reading difficulties in grades K-3.
Funding priorities will be given to those eligible Florida school districts that meet the standards
prescribed within the Reading First grant application.
Grant applications submitted to the United States Department of Education’s Office of
Elementary and Secondary Education by May 1, will be reviewed by May 24, and the applicants
will be notified by May 29. Florida has requested $45.6 million for the state’s reading program.
Funding will be awarded on July 1.
In a continuing effort to inform educators and students about
Just Read, Florida!
Governor
Bush visited reading and Spanish students at Fairview Middle School today in Tallahassee. For
more information on the Just Read, Florida! initiative visit the
Just Read, Florida!
website at
www.myflorida.com.
Florida’s grant proposal will be available on the
Just Read, Florida!
website on Wednesday.