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YAKIMA -- Two Yakima elementary schools are among 15 in the state to receive first time federal funding to run the Reading First program.

In all, the 15 Washington schools will receive $3.3 million to run the program, which is a federal initiative authorized by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, the state Office of the Superintendent of Instruction announced Monday. Reading First uses comprehensive, research-based programs to help all children read at grade level in English by the end of third grade.

In Yakima, Adams and Garfield elementary schools will receive the funds to hire reading coaches, provide professional development for staff and purchase scientifically research based materials.

More than 5,000 school nationwide use the program. Washington state has been an active participant in Reading First since 2003.