State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson announced today that the Department of Public Instruction is making almost $5 million available to school districts and charter schools in North Carolina to be used for additional K-3 literacy support. Every district and charter school with early elementary grades will receive $200 for each K-3 reading teacher to purchase literacy materials.
"Early-grade teachers are working extremely hard to get students reading on track by the end of third grade, and we are very pleased to be able to support them with these resources," Johnson said. "Rather than make the decisions for them in Raleigh, we want districts and principals to partner with their K-3 reading teachers to decide what materials they need for their students and classrooms."
The funding, part of the Read to Achieve state funding, totals $4.8 million and represents $200 each for the 24,000 K-3 teachers and their 479,000 students across the state.
"Preparing our youngest students to read successfully in school will prepare them for success in life," Johnson said.
The funds can be used for literacy instruction and parental engagement, either in the classroom or at home. Funds can be used for literacy materials including:
- Books to send home with students to support and encourage reading over the summer
- Books for classrooms
- Online subscriptions for digital or downloadable books and instructional materials
- Hands-on resources for individual students, small groups, or work-stations – especially materials to support students at risk of being reading retained
- Equipment, instructional tools, and supplies to aid teachers in whole class, small group, or individual instruction
Districts and charter schools will receive the funds this month. When classrooms will receive books and supplies will vary by district.
About the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction:
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction provides leadership to 115 local public school districts and 160 charter schools serving over 1.5 million students in kindergarten through high school graduation. The agency is responsible for all aspects of the state's public school system and works under the direction of the North Carolina State Board of Education.