FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

ELIZABETH HIRST

TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2002

(850) 488-5394

GOVERNOR BUSH ANNOUNCES $45.6 MILLION GRANT

~~U.S. Department of Education Assists Florida’s Efforts to Help Children Learn to

Read~~

TALLAHASSEE

- Governor Jeb Bush today announced that the U.S.

Department of Education has awarded Florida $45.6 million in federal funds to help the

state reach the Governor’s goal that every child read at or above grade level by 2012.

Florida is one of just three states to be the first grant recipients of President Bush’s

Reading First initiative, the cornerstone of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

“

This grant recognizes Florida as a model for the nation because of our

distinguished efforts to ensure that every child read at or above grade level by 2012,” said

Governor Bush. “I applaud the President for making reading the centerpiece of his

education reform plan. Now, with the substantial help of this Reading First funding, our

own Just Read, Florida! initiative will take a major step forward on the path to

educational excellence

U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today announced that the Reading First

application submitted by Florida on May 1, has passed a rigorous review by an expert

panel. As a result, Florida is among just three states along with Colorado and Alabama,

to be the first to receive the grants to help schools and school districts improve students’

reading achievement. Florida will receive $45.6 million the first y

ear and a total of $300

million over six years. The six-year total is subject to the state's successful

implementation and demonstrated increases in students’ reading achievement. Reading

First funds become available on July 1.

The purpose of the Reading First grant is to assist Florida districts and schools to

implement proven methods of scientifically based reading instruction in classrooms to

prevent reading difficulties in grades K-3.

A competitive subgrant process will ensue for

Florida school districts that meet the eligibility criteria prescribed within the Reading

First grant application. School districts will be able to use Reading First funds to

improve reading instruction through professional development, assessments,

implementing a learning system or program based on scientifically based reading

research, and reading coaches.

Just Read

,

Florida!

is consistent with scientifically

based reading research that underlies Reading First.

The

Just Read, Florida!

initiative is an effort to create a comprehensive and

coordinated reading strategy aimed at helping every student become a successful and

independent reader. 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.