What is one main goal of the Reading First initiative?

The primary goal of the Reading First initiative is to ensure that all students can read by the end of third grade. This initiative was launched in response to concerns about the literacy skills of students in America, particularly the significant number of children who were not meeting basic reading standards by the time they reached the fourth grade. By the end of third grade, students are expected to have developed essential reading skills, which are critical for their continued academic success in later grades, especially as they begin to engage with more complex texts and subjects.

Focusing on reading proficiency at this early stage is crucial, as strong reading skills are foundational for learning across all subject areas. The initiative emphasizes evidence-based reading instruction and interventions to help struggling readers. The idea is that by reinforcing these skills early on, educators can help prevent future reading difficulties that might affect academic performance.

Other options, while important in their own right, do not directly align with the specific aims of the Reading First initiative. Writing skills, math proficiency, and public speaking skills are valuable educational goals but are not the central focus of Reading First, which is specifically dedicated to reading achievement by the end of third grade.