The purpose of Reading First is to ensure that all children in America learn to read well by the end of third grade.

Teaching young children to read is the most critical educational priority facing this country. Encouragingly, this is an area where some of the best and most rigorous scientifically based research is available. The Reading First program will help South Country School District apply this research - and the proven instructional and assessment tools consistent with the research - to teach all children to read. By teaching all children to read well by the end of third grade, the district will ensure that all students advance to later grades well prepared to achieve their full academic potential.

• Reading First is a focused nationwide effort to enable all students to become successful early readers.
• Funds are dedicated to help states and local school districts eliminate the reading deficit by establishing high-quality, comprehensive reading instruction in kindergarten through grade 3.
• Building on a solid foundation of research, the program is designed to select, implement, and provide professional development for teachers using scientifically-based reading programs, and to ensure accountability through ongoing, valid and reliable screening, diagnostic, and classroom-based assessment.

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