Division Name:	Reading	FY97 $0 FY98 $0 FY99 $0 FY00 $30,000,000 FY01 $30,000,000 FY02 $30,000,000 $ Change $0 % Change 0.0%
Legislative Reference:	20 USC 6601 et seq.
Leadership Goal:	6
Program Goal:	Fund research-based models of K-3 reading improvement and professional development in 30 - 40 of Illinois' schools in greatest need so that the most effective of these models can be shared, statewide to increase the number of schools meeting or exceeding Standards so that by 2005, 80% of all students will meet and exceed state standards for reading.

Purpose:	The purpose of the Reading Excellence Act is to: use research-based instructional methods to see that students, K - 3, in qualifying districts and schools learn to read well by grade 3; see that teachers in qualifying districts and schools develop and use teaching strategies for he teaching of reading that have foundations in effective, relevant research; expand family literacy programs; provide early literacy intervention to children who are experiencing reading difficulties and reduce their referrals to special education; and Identify successful models of K - 3 instruction and intervention for replication and dissemination, statewide. Participating schools will implement early intervention programs based on relevant reading research. ISBE will help schools develop implementation plans. These plans will include targeted professional development for teachers, purchase of literacy materials, implementation of extended learning opportunities, parent teaming and connections strategies, and implementation of reading programs that result in improved student learning. State leadership activities will include development of research-based materials and resources for schools, statewide and regional professional development, providing qualified reading coaches to schools with greatest need, and partnering with other organizations and agencies to align resources and activities. Family literacy and early childhood activities will also be provided.
Population and Service Levels:	This program funds 35 to 45 schools in districts serving students up to grades 3 who are at greatest risk of academic failure. All staff and students, K 3, in funded schools will participate in reading improvement activities. Students at risk of reading failure will receive targeted, ongoing tutorial assistance in addition to improved classroom instruction, resources and classroom materials. Support will also be provided for the feeder pre-K programs and for all students' families. These districts include approximately 40% of Illinois students. A consortium of University faculty will work with ROE's/ISC's to provide two years of ongoing staff development for all K - 3 staff in every funded building. An independent evaluator wilt monitor the progress of the participating schools and districts. Products and resources developed under this grant will subsequently be made available statewide.
Reimbursement/ /Distribution Method	Grants are awarded to districts on a competitive basis through a request for proposals process. FY01 was the first year Illinois received a three-year grant award for $37.8 million.
Performance Measures & Activities	35 to 45 competitive local grants ranging in size from $50,000 to $1,000,000 per year will be awarded. A university consortium will be contracted to provide two years of ongoing professional development and resources through on-site training, weekend seminars, summer institutes and distance-learning. ISBE staff and ROE's/ISC's will supervise implementation in all 34 - 45 schools. 35 - 45 REA teacher-leaders will be hired with local grant funds to provide building-level leadership in reading and to meet regularly with ISBE staff and university consortium members. District level REA coordinators will act as liaisons between districts, ISBE, university consortium members, ROE/ISC staff and external evaluators. An exemplary principals' cadre of 40 - 50 outstanding principals in Illinois will mentor the 35-45 REA-funded principals. An independent evaluator will be contracted to evaluate implementation and effects.