Question 1
Reading First is the largest and most focused early reading initiative ever undertaken in this country.
This program provides states, districts, and schools with funding to implement scientifically based reading instruction for
students in grades K through 3.
Question 2
New York State identified schools eligible to write a competitive Reading First Grant. South Country School
District’s Brookhaven Elementary School was selected as the targeted elementary school because it had the highest percentage of students
qualifying for free and reduced lunch, highest academic need, and the highest homeless population of the three district primary schools.
South Country was awarded the grant due to the quality nature of the components included in the grant requirements.
Question 3
Children will receive high quality instruction by extensively trained teachers in the five key areas of reading
(phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension). All children will be assessed regularly in an effort to match instruction
with individual strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, eligible students will be quickly identified and receive remedial reading instruction.
Children identified as in need of enrichment, will receive additional instruction to meet their needs.
Question 4
Reading First requires that a systematic and explicit approach to reading instruction be implemented by all teachers.
Houghton Mifflin’s Nation’s Choice was selected as the district’s core reading program because it was rated as effectively addressing the
five key areas of reading. Teachers are receiving over 100 hours of professional development in the New York State Reading Academy which
addresses the significant research and instructional methodology associated with the five key areas of reading. In addition, ongoing professional
development is being provided in the area of classroom application.
