INFORMATION SHEET FOR

THE HAWAII READING FIRST PROGRAM GRANT

PURPOSE

The Hawai`i Reading First Program grant that will be awarded to selected schools is intended to finance the cost of (1) developing and implementing a standards-based K-3 reading instruction and assessment system, validated by scientifically-based reading research, to ensure that all students can read by the end of third grade and (2) providing professional development to instructional staff on scientifically research-based reading methods.

NUMBER OF AWARDS AVAILABLE

The Reading First Program will subgrant funding for two years to three cohort groups of 25 schools each. A total of 75 schools can be funded over a six-year period. Priority will be given to Title I schools with improvement status that were not selected for participation in our Reading Excellence Act Grant program, provided they submit applications which meet all other requirements and qualifications. Competitive priority for funding will also be given to schools that have at least 30% of students scoring below average on the statewide reading assessment for grade three. These schools must also have at least 20% of their students on free or reduced lunch.

APPLICATION DUE DATE AND MAILING ADDRESS

Faxed material will be accepted by the due date, but the ORIGINAL document must be mailed and postmarked (no postage meters) by the due date. Mail the ORIGINAL document to:

Barbara J. Smith, Educational Specialist
OCISS, Instructional Services Branch, Reading First Program
475 22^nd Avenue, Room 214
Honolulu, HI 96816
Deadline:February 15, 2006

GRANT PERIOD

The grant period is for two years. Schools should prepare a budget for two years. At the end of the first year of the two-year grant period, a determination will be made as to whether the school has made adequate progress in implementing the Reading First program. Schools that are not making adequate progress will have the second year funds withheld until recommended adjustments are made. Reading First staff will hold individual meetings to outline the steps that must be taken for schools to have funding reinstated.

AVERAGE AWARD

The anticipated average size direct award to schools is $83,459 for each year of the Reading First program. The actual allocations per school will vary based on the schools needs, K-3 enrollment, and planned uses of the funding as detailed in each school’s application.

USE OF FUNDS

Allowable use of funds include costs for such activities as hiring a .5 FTE reading coordinator/coach; reviewing scientifically-based reading research; purchasing core research-based reading materials; providing in-service training for K-3 teachers and the school administrator; alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment; purchasing a computer for reporting data; and acquisition of engaging materials for children as part of the classroom or school library. Funds are to supplement, not supplant local efforts. Funds, therefore, shall not be used for maintenance of permanent or continuing program costs such as long-term positions, annually recurring supplies, construction, etc. Schools are expected to commit their own resources for these purposes.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF SCHOOLS RECEIVING FUNDING

• K-3 teachers and administrator attend eight days of Beginning Reading Training.
• Utilize DIBELS assessment (Dynamic Indicators of Early Literacy Skills) and the SAT-9 for student progress monitoring, evaluation purposes, and instructional planning.
• Submit required reports at the end of each year of funding.
• Include the Reading First program in the school’s SID effort in standards-based learning, assessment, and professional development.
• Comply with the requirements of the Reading First component of the No Child Left Behind legislation and the regulations there under.
• Comply with the assurances stated in Part 6 of the grant application.

....Our standards set the course, while students, families, and community fill the sails with expectation as we voyage with the treasure of bright, young minds ready to lead the way to the future.

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