New York, NY (November 3, 2004) -- Scholastic Education, a leading provider of research-based print and technology solutions proven to raise reading achievement, has been selected by nearly half of all federal Early Reading First grant recipients as a preferred educational publisher of early childhood curriculum. Of the $90 million awarded in grants, $40.2 million was awarded to local community programs that will use Scholastic materials to teach young children early literacy skills as outlined by the Early Reading First federal guidelines. Local education agencies across the country will use Scholastic's Building Language For Literacy^TM, Scholastic ReadingLine^TM and The Scholastic Early Childhood Program Featuring Clifford programs as part of their larger efforts to help prepare more than 3,000 young children to enter kindergarten ready to learn.
 
The Early Reading First program (ERF), authorized by the No Child Left Behind Act is designed to transform existing early education programs into centers of excellence that provide high-quality, early education to young children, especially those from low-income families. The overall purpose of the Early Reading First Program is to prepare young children to enter kindergarten with the necessary language, cognitive, and early reading skills to prevent reading difficulties and ensure school success. To that end, ERF provides grants, ranging from $1.3-$4.5 million, for research-based instructional materials and professional development.
 
“High quality early childhood education is essentially a form of early intervention,” said Akimi Gibson, Vice President, Scholastic Early Childhood Education. “Early Reading First funding is a vital tool to help close the achievement gap, providing more children with access to proven-to-work instructional programs that help prevent reading difficulties which can hinder academic achievement once children enter kindergarten. Scholastic is pleased to provide proven curriculum materials for young children throughout the country who will truly benefit from this much-needed national attention to language acquisition, cognitive development and pre-reading skills that are essential for school success.”
 
Scholastic's early childhood programs chosen by the local grantees include:
 
Building Language for Literacy - selected by ERF grantees in Alabama, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin, is a proven-effective early reading program that guides young children through the early stages of literacy development by infusing word, sound and letter recognition through engaging language-loving characters. The program is based on the seminal research of the National Reading Panel and authored by exceptional leaders in early childhood education including Catherine Snow, Ph.D. of Harvard University and Co-Chair of panel that produced Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children, and Susan B. Neuman, Ed.D., of the University of Michigan and former Assistant Secretary of Education.
 
Scholastic Early Childhood Program -- selected by ERF grantees in California, Massachusetts, and Nebraska, is a research-based, comprehensive early childhood program that fully addresses all areas of development. The domains include language and early literacy, mathematics, science, fine arts, personal and social development, and fine and gross motor development. Featuring Clifford the Big Red Dog™, the beloved canine of the best-selling books and award-winning TV series, the program reinforces “Clifford's Big Ideas”, such as helping others and sharing. The program also includes a strong school-to-home component as well as embedded professional development and assessment. All instructional materials and books are available in English and Spanish.
 
Scholastic ReadingLine Kits -- selected by ERF grantees in Massachusetts and Michigan, the program offers step-by-step instruction for grades Pre-K-1 in the three critical elements for literacy: sounds and letters, vocabulary and phonics. According to Phyllis C. Hunter renowned reading expert and program author the ReadingLine libraries consist of the “Best Little Books on Earth,” with playful text, stunning photographs, and beautiful illustrations that foster an early love of reading while targeting specific literacy skills. The ReadingLine Kits are flexible and can be adapted to all levels of primary learning, for use in circle time, small-group instruction and intervention with below-level students and English Language Learners.
 
About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the Company's Internet site, www.scholastic.com.

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