FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2002
    CONTACT:
    ELIZABETH HIRST (850) 488-5394
    GOVERNOR BUSH OPENS JUST READ, FLORIDA!
    GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS
    €
    ~~$11 million available to Florida’s schools for reading coaches~~
    €
    TALLAHASSEE
    - Governor Jeb Bush announced that applications for
    Just
    Read, Florida!
    grants are being sent to school district superintendents across the state
    today. School districts can compete for a portion of the $11 million available through
    Just Read, Florida!
    to implement a Reading Coach Model program. Applications are
    due to the Florida Department of Education by July 15. Grants will be awarded to the
    districts by August 15 to implement programs for the 2002-2003 school year.
    “With these grants, schools will be able to hire and train reading coaches in
    scientifically based reading research -- providing support to teachers and principals to
    help every student become a successful, independent reader,” said Governor Bush. “This
    is the first step in ensuring that all of our children are able to read at or above grade level
    by 2012.”
    Applications for
    Just Read, Florida!
    grants must be submitted by school districts
    on behalf of their schools. Priority will be given to those districts applying for schools
    receiving an “F” letter grade for the 2002 school year and for schools eligible for
    Reading
    First
    federal funds. The grants will provide resources to districts to hire reading coaches
    for elementary, middle and high schools with low-performing students. Coaches will
    serve as a stable resource for professional development, progress monitoring, and student
    data analysis leading to improvements in reading instruction and achievement.
    In addition to the $11 million in state grants, Florida anticipates receiving $45.6
    million in federal funds to help reach the goal that every child read at or above grade
    level by 2012.
    Just Read, Florida!
    prioritizes reading in Florida’s public schools and
    among all the community groups and volunteer organizations that support them. It is
    based on the latest reading research that includes emphasis on phonemic awareness,
    phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. For more information, visit the
    Governor’s homepage at www.myflorida.com.

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