BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland State Department of Education has received $40 million to improve literacy instruction in an effort to help students reach third grade literacy proficiency.

The state was awarded the money as part of a $149 million grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant is part of a five-year plan to award $149 million to 23 states with the goal of improving literacy outcomes for third-grade students.

The first year of the grant will award Maryland $4.1 million, and the remaining funds will be awarded in subsequent years.

The state plans to use the funds to develop and implement interventions and supports to improve literacy instruction across the state.

“Investments in reading by third grade will benefit students throughout their elementary, middle and high school years,” said Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools. “This grant will enhance the resources available to school systems, schools and early care programs, helping to improve literacy outcomes and strengthen students’ core academic skills.”

The Maryland State Board of Education set a goal of making Maryland one of the top 10 states in the country for literacy instruction by 2027.

“When students are ready to read, they are ready to learn — we must ensure our educators have the skills and resources to teach all students to read by third grade,” said Dr. Joshua L. Michael, State Board President. “Focused on core literacy instruction in our schools, this grant from our federal partners amplifies our state’s investment in public education through Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.”

The science of reading emphasizes building skills in phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension in an effort to help students build strong literacy skills.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

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