State education officials in Kentucky say a $24.9 million grant will help develop pre-literacy skills as well as stronger reading and writing skills.
Officials say the three-year grant from the U.S. Education Department is meant to create a comprehensive approach to advance literacy, including among those with limited English proficiency and those with disabilities.
State Education Commissioner Stephen Pruitt says literacy, especially in the early years, is a priority if Kentucky is to close the achievement gap.
The state Department of Education says the goal is to use the grant to strengthen support for literacy development.
KDE says it will assist schools to develop comprehensive literacy plans. It says the focus will be on making gains in language skills for 4-year-olds, kindergarten readiness and increased reading proficiency at all school levels.
