Arkansas Awards $343K to Really Great Reading for Pre-K Literacy Training

Event summary

  • Really Great Reading (RGR) secured $343,000 in funding from the Arkansas Department of Education for Pre-K literacy professional training.
  • The funding supports RGR's expansion to serve Pre-K educators statewide, aligning with Arkansas's Pre-K R.I.S.E. Initiative.
  • The award covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with reimbursable funds.
  • RGR's evidence-based program focuses on play-based, interactive literacy instruction grounded in the Science of Reading.

The big picture

This funding underscores Arkansas's commitment to early literacy, aligning with broader state and federal initiatives like the LEARNS Act and Preschool Development Grants. RGR's selection highlights the growing demand for Science of Reading-aligned programs in early childhood education, particularly in regions prioritizing foundational literacy interventions.

What we're watching

Program Scaling
How RGR will leverage this funding to expand its reach and impact across Arkansas's Pre-K system.
State Partnerships
Whether Arkansas's continued investment signals broader adoption of RGR's model in other Southern states.
Outcome Metrics
The pace at which RGR can demonstrate measurable improvements in literacy rates among Arkansas's youngest learners.

Related topics

Expansion EdTech