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Wilson Joins U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige in Commending South Carolina’s “Reading First” Plan

April 22, 2003

State Expected to Receive $88.6 Million During Next Six Years for Key Component of President Bush’s No Child Left Behind Law

Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) today joined U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige in applauding South Carolina education leaders for the state's scientifically based plan to raise reading achievement. South Carolina has been awarded $13.6 million from the U.S. Department of Education for the first year of a multiyear "Reading First" grant to help schools and districts implement scientifically proven methods of instruction to raise reading achievement. During the next six years, South Carolina is expected to receive approximately $88.6 million in support. "Reading is the first step toward a successful future," said Rep. Wilson. "We should understand it is our responsibility to make certain every child can read, and with these funds, thousands of children in South Carolina will be ensured that opportunity to learn. This is a program based on proven methods to achieve real results.""Reading First is a model for what No Child Left Behind is all about," said U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige. "The basic elements are straightforward: diagnose and address reading difficulties early; base instruction on what works; give teachers the training they need; constantly assess progress; and develop a state infrastructure to see it through. South Carolina should be proud of the plan they've put together."The South Carolina Department of Education will integrate Reading First with its statewide infrastructure for improvement of early literacy. Governor Mark Sanford, in consultation with the state educational agency, has convened a Reading Leadership Team to ensure an integrated approach to improving K-3 reading instruction and raising K-3 reading achievement statewide.The grant money will be used to help schools implement research-based reading programs for students in kindergarten through third grade and to provide professional development to ensure that all teachers have the skill they need to teach these programs effectively. Despite all the priorities competing for our tax dollars - strengthening our economy, defending our nation, and expanding opportunities for all Americans - the President's proposed budget boosts education funding to $53.1 billion - an $11 billion increase since he took office. South Carolina alone will receive more than $676 million, including $264 million to implement No Child Left Behind. If the President's budget is approved, federal education funding for South Carolina will have gone up $155 million since President Bush took office.###