The Miller-Unruh Reading Act of 1965 was passed to promote the prevention and early correction of reading difficulties and the achievement of high quality education in California. The law provides for the employment of teachers specifically trained to teach reading, for monetary incentive to encourage such training, and for the establishment and maintenance of school libraries. All districts receiving equalization aid may participate in the program to provide for specialist teachers who are classroom teachers given special instruction in the teaching of reading. These specialist teachers work with first-grade children to prevent reading difficulties and do remedial work with small groups of second and third graders. Districts that receive aid are allowed to plan their own reading programs with the stipulation that they meet the basic requirements of the California State Board of Education. In the program's first year, 1966-67, 53 districts employed 252 specialist teachers, absorbed 238 scholarships, and participated in 193 courses and workshops. In the second year, 224 districts applied with requests for 950 specialist teachers. This figure is expected to triple in the 1968-69 year. (BS)