Edison, Metuchen Schools Gets State Grant For Improving Student Literacy

EDISON, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Education has awarded $2.3 million in FOCUS grants to support local school districts and charter schools as they implement initiatives to improve literacy in the early grades, the department said Wednesday.

Edison Schools received $46,660, and Metuchen got $6,020 in grant funding as part of the statewide distribution.

The Funding for Optimal Comprehensive Universal Screeners, or FOCUS grants, supports high-quality literacy-screening assessments that meet the criteria established by the Department. The funding can also be used to provide related professional development for teachers and student support.

Districts serving grades K-3 were eligible to apply, and all 277 school districts and charter schools that applied will receive funding, with award amounts based on student enrollment.

"Through providing millions of dollars for hundreds of school districts and charter schools to improve their literacy education, we will ensure that our young learners are confident readers capable of thriving academically and becoming thoughtful, informed citizens," Governor Phil Murphy said. "By bolstering our efforts to improve literacy rates statewide, these grants will further our Administration's goal of making New Jersey the best state in the country to raise a child."

Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer said the grants are an integral component of the state's early literacy initiative, designed to give New Jersey schools the tools that will help implement the changes necessary to improve literacy skills.

"Literacy is a foundational skill that is needed for learning in all other subjects. Through this initiative we are providing schools the support they need, so every child begins their education fully prepared to become lifelong readers and successful learners," Dehmer said.

The grant programs will run until May 31, 2026. Funding for the programs is from the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY2025) State budget.

The grants assist school districts in implementing P.L.2024, c.52, which was signed into law by Governor Murphy in August 2024 and sponsored by Sen. Ruiz, requires all school districts to conduct at least two literacy screenings each year for every kindergarten through grade three student to evaluate reading skills and offer any needed learning support.

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