Nevada receives $26 million fed grant for reading program

RENO, Nev. -- The state of Nevada received a $26 million grant from the U.S. Education Department Friday to help train teachers and launch a special reading program for first through third graders.

"Today is a good news day," said Chris Doherty director of "Reading First" for the Education Department.

Doherty presented the grant to state Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack McLaughlin during a news conference at Veterans Memorial Elementary School in Reno.

The Washoe County School District will receive $500,000 to $1 million every year for the next six years to implement "Reading First" programs, Doherty told the Daily Sparks Tribune.

Individual schools will receive $150,000 to $200,000 a year, Doherty said. That money will go toward training teachers and providing materials for the unique new reading program, he said.

"Reading First" focuses on five different aspects of teaching reading to ensure not only solid reading skills but comprehension as well. The five aspects are phonics, comprehension, phonic awareness, vocabulary and fluency, Doherty said.

"This is good news for young children all across Nevada," Gov. Kenny Guinn said. "Reading is the one skill upon which all others depend, and the programs funded by this grant will make a lifelong difference in thousands of lives."

Reading First is part of President George W. Bush's "No Child Left Behind Act." Bush has promised $94 million to fund the NCLB Act so that it can be implemented across the nation. It's goal is to help provide all children with a fair, equitable and significant shot at a quality education.