Chinook Elementary School was awarded $257,375 for the 2008-10 school years to continue the Reading First program, a federal initiative authorized by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

Reading First uses comprehensive, research-based programs to help children read at grade level in English by the end of third grade.

Funds will be used by Chinook Elementary to hire reading instructional coaches, provide professional development for staff, and purchase scientifically-research based materials.

Reading First is aligned with the state’s K-12 reading model and is a way to identify struggling students and give them the reading skills they need. The program helps students learn to read earlier and with greater comprehension.