New Grant to Help Polk County Students Build Early Reading Skill
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PRESS OFFICE
(850) 245-0413
NEW GRANT TO HELP POLK COUNTY STUDENTS BUILD EARLY READING SKILLS
Tallahassee, Fla., October 1, 2012 – Polk County Public Schools will get nearly $400,000 from the U.S. Department of Education to help low-income students improve their reading skills. The Innovative Approaches to Literacy grant will pay for programs to increase mastery of literacy and motivate youth to continue reading as they grow. Polk Public Schools’ funding is for the first of a two-year learning program. School districts in 21 states with at least 25 percent of students from below the poverty line and the District of Columbia will begin similar programs.
“My congratulations to Polk County Public Schools for their efforts on behalf of struggling readers,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “Improving student achievement is at the forefront of Florida’s education agenda, and learning begins with reading. I look forward to seeing the results of this important project.”
Expanding the Books Bridge program will create new ways to train parents and help local families engage young readers in hands-on literacy activities. The school district will also increase library hours, expand family Internet access, and give free books to children.
For more information, visit Innovative Approaches to Literacy.
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About the Florida Department of Education: The department’s mission is to increase the proficiency of all students within one seamless, efficient education system by providing them the chance to expand their knowledge and skills through world-class learning opportunities. Serving more than 3.5 million students, 4,200 public schools, 28 colleges, 188,000 teachers, 47,000 college professors and administrators, and 318,000 full-time staff throughout the state, the department enhances the economic self-sufficiency of Floridians through programs and services geared toward college, workforce education, job-specific skills, and career development. Florida ranks first in the nation for teacher quality, first in the nation in advanced placement participation, and first in the southern region for graduation rate and degrees awarded by the Florida College System. For more information, visit www.fldoe.org.
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