The Model Grants program is in its beginning stages. We have chosen the area of reading for our first model grant, based on the orginal grant: "Matching Struggling Readers to Books that Fit!"
With the use of level texts, we expect:
● the percentage of students reading on level by third grade will increase
● students will become independent readers
● reading success will carry over into other subject areas
● students will be less discouraged and more motivated to stay in school
Capital One Bank Awards $100,000 Grant for LEF Reading Initiative!
Project Goal: “Increase the percentage of students reading on or above grade level by the third grade.” In August 2007, Capital One Bank and LEF will award thirteen Title One Literacy Initiative Schools funding to purchase research-based leveled reading practice books for students in grades K-3. These books will be used in classroom instruction, tutoring, and for practice at home. Project evaluation includes monitoring pre and post-test reading scores over a three-year period measuring the grant’s impact.
The project is a result of evaluation of the Book Bug Drive and the need for more leveled-practice books. Based on an original grant authored by Kelly Gonzales and funded by LEF in 2005, “Matching Struggling Readers with Books that Fit,” has become LEF’s first Model Grant. Model Grants are successful grants which have been funded by LEF and are now being offered to other educators for duplication. In the end, this particular project will help educators in their goal of building confident and skilled readers by third grade. The residual effect will be increased learning across all subject areas, promoting successful students who are more motivated to stay in school.
This award is one of ten $100,000 grants awarded in the state and part of Capital One’s Louisiana Educational Initiative. LEF is grateful to Capital One Bank for their confidence in us, as well as in our talented educators.
In addition to Capital One’s $100,000 investment, we have funded twenty-three Reading Model Grants for a total of $20,355.90. Thanks to our funding partners: Chase Bank, ConocoPhillips, United Way of Acadiana, and Woman’s Foundation, the Reading Initiative Model Grant project continues to grow.
Plans are in progress to expand the Model Grants program as other successful grant projects are identified for replication.