Reading First is a federally funded program under the No Child Left Behind Act to improve reading instruction and ensure that students are reading on grade level by the end of the third grade. Selected counties will design reading instruction based on scientific research. Reading First will include assessments, instructional programs and materials, professional development, access to print, leadership, and evaluation.
The first thirteen recipients are: Calhoun, Doddridge, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, Mercer, Mineral, Monongalia, Nicholas, Preston, Summers, Upshur and Wetzel. Eight additional counties are anticipated to receive grant awards at a later date.