| Funding Available |
November 29, 1999
TO THE SUPERINTENDENT ADDRESSED:
SUBJECT: Student Success Initiative: Accelerated Reading Instruction Program
One of the goals Governor George W. Bush set for the state of Texas was that all students should be able to read on grade level or higher by the end of the third grade and continue to read
on grade level or higher throughout their schooling. The 76th Texas State Legislature passed Senate Bill 4, which placed in the Texas Education Code elements of the Student Success
Initiative. Two programs comprise the Student Success Initiative - the Teacher Reading Academies and the Accelerated Reading Instruction Program. The Initiative is to provide support for
the training of teachers and the implementation of scientific, research-based programs to support students in their reading development in the early grades of school.
Beginning in the 1999-2000 school year, school districts and charter schools will be required to phase-in and implement programs of accelerated reading instruction for students not showing adequate progress in reading development and who are at-risk for reading difficulties, including dyslexia. Such programs are required to address the areas of deficiencies identified through the reading instruments required under Texas Education Code (TEC) §28.006 and administered in Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2. Enclosed are the:
- 1999-2000 Student Success Initiative: Accelerated Reading Instruction Program Guidance
- Entitlement Notice, and
- 1999 Reading Instrument Guide for Texas Public Schools and Charter Schools.
Each school district and charter school is required to administer a reading instrument at Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2 according to the Commissioner's recommendations for administration. Local school districts and charter schools may elect to use an instrument from the Commissioner's Reading Instruments List or may adopt reading instruments other than those on the Commissioner's list. The reading instruments used must assess phonological awareness, word reading ability, oral reading accuracy, and reading comprehension.
All school districts and schools are required to provide an accelerated reading instruction program to students who qualify. The results of the reading instrument shall be used as one criterion to determine the eligibility of a student to be served in an accelerated reading instruction program. The parent or guardian of each student must be notified of the results of the reading instrument before placement in an accelerated instruction program. The admission, review, and dismissal committee of a student who participates in a district's special education program under Subchapter B, Chapter 29, and who does not perform satisfactorily on a reading instrument under this section shall determine the manner in which the student will participate in an accelerated reading instruction program.
The number of students who did not pass the most recent Spring administration of the 3rd grade reading Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) will be used to estimate the number of
students who need accelerated reading instruction. The estimate will be used in the formula to determine funding at $670 per pupil. A minimum allotment of $15,000 will be distributed to
each district and charter school serving students in Kindergarten and reporting 3rd grade reading TAAS results. A total of $33.7 million is available to serve students in Kindergarten
beginning September 1, 1999, for the 1999-2000 school year and ends August 31, 2000. The funding for 2000-2001 school year will be $71.7 million to be used for the same purpose and serve
students in Kindergarten and Grade 1. Any unexpended funds in the 1999-2000 school year will be available for use during the 2000-2001 school year. Any unexpended funds in the 2000-2001
school year will be returned to the State Treasury.
There will not be an application nor will schools access funds through WEB Expenditure Reports (WEB ER) or Integrated Voice Response (IVR). Funds will be distributed to school districts and charter schools twice during the funding year. Ninety percent of the funds will be distributed when funds are available and 10 percent will follow upon receipt of the Program Evaluation and Final Expenditure Report. Schools will use the Financial Accountability Resource Guide fund code 429 with a locally assigned option code to account for funds. Funds will be disbursed to schools through the electronic accounting system at the Agency. The payment will be in the form of a direct deposit or a warrant. Information must be maintained regarding the program and the students served to evaluate the program.
If you have any questions, please contact Hellen Bedgood in the Office of Statewide Initiatives at (512) 463-9027.
Sincerely,
Jim Nelson
Commissioner of Education
For further information on this topic, contact Hellen Bedgood in the Office of Statewide Initiatives at (512) 463-9027.