“We’re expected to build the firm foundation with nothing,” Worthy told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in May.

Early literacy has become a focus of the state's top leaders. During the last legislation session, lawmakers mandated screening for dyslexia and pushed for changes in teacher literacy training.

The state has been making progress: The percentage of third graders who scored "proficient" or better on their English Language Arts test last spring rose by five points as did the percentage with "Lexile" scores that showed they are reading on or above grade level. However, more than half of the third graders still cannot communicate well, with 58% scoring below proficient on the test, which includes skills in reading, writing and speaking.

An AJC analysis showed a strong relationship between scores and poverty.

Officials say the new money will help improve a skill that is essential for learning all subjects after third grade.

“Reading is an essential part of all other educational attainment; literacy is the key that unlocks the door to a lifetime of learning,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said in a news release with the governor’s office Thursday. “Being awarded nearly $180 million through a competitive federal grant process shows that Georgia’s literacy efforts are viewed as strong, sustainable, and worthy of investment.”