#United States #Little Rock #Really Great Reading #Early Literacy #Arkansas Education

Really Great Reading Awarded Early Childhood Funding

Really Great Reading (RGR) has recently announced a significant milestone in its efforts to improve literacy education for young learners in Arkansas. The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) has allocated funding up to $343,000 specifically aimed at enhancing early childhood professional training in its Pre-Kindergarten program. This funding marks a crucial step towards enriching foundational literacy instruction for thousands of Arkansas children.

Expanding Access to Quality Literacy Instruction

The investment from the ADE supports RGR's commitment to making evidence-based early literacy programs more accessible to Pre-K educators across the state. RGR's approach to literacy is both play-based and interactive, allowing teachers to build essential skills such as letter recognition, phonological awareness, and print concepts through engaging, multisensory instruction. This aligns perfectly with the state's Pre-K R.I.S.E. (Reading Initiative for Student Excellence) Initiative, reinforcing the importance of high-quality literacy education from the earliest stages of a child’s education.

The ADE selects programs to receive funding through a thorough review process, and RGR was chosen to deliver essential coaching, training, and technical assistance that emphasizes instruction grounded in the Science of Reading. This decision underscores the ADE's recognition that cultivating reading proficiency should begin even before kindergarten.

A Collaborative Effort to Improve Literacy Rates

Karl Rectanus, CEO of Really Great Reading, expressed enthusiasm regarding the partnership with Arkansas, highlighting their proactive approach towards transforming literacy rates across the state. He stated, “Arkansas is yet another Southern State surging forward to change literacy rates, partnering with RGR,” and emphasized the importance of providing early childhood educators with the necessary resources and support to develop robust literacy foundations from the start.

This award not only enhances RGR's ongoing collaboration with the State of Arkansas but also invests in the future educational framework that supports children's success. The funding will be allocated on a reimbursable basis and will cover the period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.

Supporting Early Childhood Initiatives

As part of broader efforts under the LEARNS Act combined with federal Preschool Development Grant funding, Arkansas continues to strengthen its early childhood education system. The ADE’s Office of Early Childhood manages professional development contracts aimed at improving instruction quality for all children statewide. RGR's participation in this initiative demonstrates a commitment to creating equitable opportunities for all learners, particularly in historically underserved communities.

About Really Great Reading

Really Great Reading has been a leading provider of evidence-based literacy solutions for over two decades. Their methods emphasize structured instruction, professional learning, and practical coaching, translating research into effective reading outcomes. RGR's curriculum is recognized for its alignment with education standards and has received positive evaluations from independent research, ensuring that their programs are not only effective but also inclusive and supportive of all students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. To learn more about their programs and initiatives, visit www.reallygreatreading.com.