CHARLESTON, W.Va. _ The West Virginia Department of Education is accepting applications for the 2008 WV READS grant program. Thirty grants of $10,000 each will be awarded to schools on a competitive basis to establish reading programs during the summer of 2008.

The WV READS program provides an opportunity for schools to meet the needs of students requiring reading interventions from kindergarten through fourth grade. The program has made a significant difference in student achievement of basic skills.

The West Virginia Legislature enacted legislation in 1998 establishing the WV Reading Excellence Accelerates Deserving Students (READS) program to establish an extended instructional time competitive grant program focusing on reading for at risk students in the early grades. Research shows that intervention is necessary when students are younger and before patterns of failure are established.

To qualify, schools must demonstrate a considerable need in reading. A vast majority of the schools that have received previous grants have shown a significant improvement in students’ grades and test scores. 

The deadline for 2008 grant applications is Dec. 15, 2007. WV READS applications may be downloaded from the state Department of Education Web site at http://wvde.state.wv.us/tt/2007/wvreads.doc

Contact Kathy Knighton, WV READS coordinator, at (304) 558-2696 or kknighto@access.k12.wv.us for additional information.  

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