TARTAGLIONE LAUDS READING GRANT

HARRISBURG, March 14, 2003 -- Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione praised the Rendell Administration today for its generous investment in Philadelphia’s school children.

The Philadelphia School District will receive more than $9.6 million to improve reading skills in the district under a progressive new program called “Reading First.”

“Improving performance in our schools is a top priority,” Tartaglione said. “It’s an investment in our children, which is the best way to secure our future.”

Reading First is a federal program designed to transform the way reading is taught in schools, allowing challenged students to gain equity with their peers.  The six-year, $184 million competitive grant program is funded by the federal government and intended to improve the performance of schools on the state’s empowerment list.

“Given the financial demands of public education, this partnership with the federal government will provide much needed assistance to Pennsylvania,” Tartaglione said.

The Rendell administration awarded more than $22 million recently, with nearly half of that going to Philadelphia schools.

“The governor promised to change the face of education in Pennsylvania, and this is a good first step,” Tartaglione said.

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