Jones Lauds Generous Grant To Aid Literacy Education In NC Schools

Third district Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) today warmly received the U.S. Department of Education's announcement of more than $150 million in funds to support Reading First programs in North Carolina schools. North Carolina will receive $20.7 million for the first year of a multi-year Reading First grant to help schools and districts improve children's reading achievement through scientifically proven methods of instruction. Over the next six years, the Tarheel State will receive approximately $153.9 million in support. The exact amount of funding is subject to the state's successful implementation and congressional appropriations. The grant was first announced today by the assistant secretary of legislation and congressional affairs for the U.S. Department of Education, Karen Johnson. North Carolina's grant will support key improvements in classroom reading instruction, including teaching based on proven research methods, early identification and help for reading difficulties, monitoring student progress and continuous, high-quality professional development for teachers. States will create a statewide infrastructure to steer reform and help school districts that will receive funding under a state-run competition for district subgrants. "Reading is a fundamental key to a child's ultimate success as a student. Studies have repeatedly proven that when a child fails to learn to read at an early age, his or her academic achievements are severely affected. We must ensure North Carolina's students receive a strong reading background from the very beginning," Congressman Jones said. "Today's grant is a sign of our country's emphasis on the young Americans who fill our schools. Our youth are the future of this nation, and a solid education provides a better foundation for the next generation. This grant is well founded and much appreciated." "When you are laying the foundation of a strong education, you start with the fundamental element: reading. This substantial grant not only seeks to build up that solid foundation, it serves everyone involved in the process. It looks out for North Carolina students, teachers, and their schools as a whole," Jones added. "I look forward to seeing the fruits of this grant in and around the schools in Eastern North Carolina. I believe this presents our schools systems with the tools they need to help children read well at an early grade level." According to the Department of Education, North Carolina will to hold a competition for eligible school districts to compete for subgrants this spring, with the state planning to support some 75 schools in those districts. As part of its professional development plan, the state will hold a series of 10 workshops for all K-3 teachers and special education teachers. These professional development sessions will provide intensive training on classroom reading instruction based on scientific research, so that teachers learn to tailor instruction around sound, research-based information. Reading First was passed into law under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and centers on the following priorities: Raising the caliber and quality of classroom instruction; Basing instruction on scientifically proven methods; Providing professional training for educators in reading instruction; and Supplying substantial resources to support the unprecedented initiative. For additional information or to schedule an interview with Congressman Jones contact Lanier Swann at (202) 225-3415 or via email at lanier.swann@mail.house.gov.