Each year for the remainder of the Reading First Grant, through 2008, KDE will offer a one-time award of $12,500 (schools with less than 300 students) or $25,000 (schools with greater than 300 students) to eligible Reading First Schools. This award would be for professional development, stipends, travel, follow-ups, materials, and additional compensation for an identified school reading coach.
In order for a school to receive the award, the teachers and administrator must agree to the following commitments:
1) Guarantee that 70% of the teachers in primary would attend a 3-day Reading First Institute.
2) Select a reading coach from within the school to facilitate a minimum of 18 hours of Reading First follow-up sessions. The person chosen as a reading coach will have a demonstrated background in scientifically-based reading research and instruction.
3) Submit an end-of-year school portfolio that includes evidence of effective implementation of the five components of reading instruction (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, comprehension, and motivation); evidence of administrator support and participation throughout the year-long professional development; and a professional development plan outlining how the school will build upon and sustain professional development opportunities during the 2007-08 school year.
4) Agree to participate in statewide evaluation.
5) Appoint a district contact person who will support the school during this grant.