The Tennessee Department of Education has received nearly $5 million for its Reading First Program after participating schools and districts demonstrated increased student achievement for two consecutive years. Tennessee was the only state to receive the Targeted Assistance Grant this year and received all of the funding, $4.8 million. The Reading First program uses research-based instruction to ensure all students read on grade level by third grade.

?This success demonstrates that when you set goals with high expectations for student achievement and use the right tools, amazing things can happen,? Governor Phil Bredesen said. ?No accomplishment outweighs the importance of a child learning to read. My sincere congratulations go to Commissioner Seivers and educators across the state who helped students at these Reading First schools improve.?

?The hard work of many Tennessee educators and students earned our state this distinction. I commend these schools for improving the literacy levels of their students and subsequently student achievement,? Education Commissioner Lana Seivers said. ?Strong literacy skills are the foundation for school success. This grant will go a long way toward providing more students a better future.?

The U.S. Department of Education awards Reading First Targeted Assistance Grants on a competitive basis to state educational agencies that demonstrate an increase in student achievement in schools and districts participating in the Reading First program. This award is in addition to Tennessee?s annual grant allocation and will go entirely to local districts.

?It is our goal in Reading First that every child will learn to read at or above grade level by the end of the third grade,? said Jim Herman, director of the Reading First in Tennessee program. ?The success of Reading First in Tennessee can be attributed to the commitment to excellence, dedication to the students, and the hard work of the Reading First teachers, literacy leaders, principals, district coordinators, and professional development providers. It has truly been an honor and privilege to work with such a talented group of educators.?

All Tennessee school districts participating in the Reading First program are eligible to receive a portion of this funding. To receive Targeted Assistance funding, a district must show evidence of increased student achievement over two consecutive years. Targeted Assistance funds must be used in the current school year to further the activities in approved Reading First grants.

For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.