The state of Iowa is getting 10-million dollars from the federal governmentto expand reading programs for early elementary students. Iowa’s “EveryChild Reads” program targets schools which have a high number of studentswith poor reading skills. Iowa Department of Education Director TedStilwell.says the earlier a child learns to read, the better, because olderchildren who’ve fallen behind find it difficult to catch up.Iowa Board of Education President Corrine (core-een) Hadley of Newton saysreading is an essential skill.The reading program’s ultimate goal is to have every Iowa child reading wellby the end of third grade. Iowa’s First Lady, Christie Vilsack, who’s ateacher, says the grant will help teachers learn new techniques.Elementary schools in Des Moines, Davenport, Sioux City, Council Bluffs,Waterloo, Clay Central/Everly. Fredericksburg, North Winneshiek, Seymour andLamoni will share the grant money.
