Prepared for the reading personnel of the California Right to Read program, this document defines general areas and specific items which should be considered in a well-planned, comprehensive reading program for kindergarten through adult learners. It may be used as a guide for planning a reading program, evaluating a current program, or identifying exemplary reading programs. The four major elements in the criteria of excellence which lead to improved reading are commitment by staff and leadership to develop a program themselves, comprehensive needs assessment by on-site faculty, a diagnostic-prescriptive reading approach beginning with the child's current level of achievement, and a program designed to meet the child's needs. Nine sections comprise the criteria of excellence checklist: (1) management and planning; (2) goals and objectives; (3) instruction; (4) staff; (5) leadership development; (6) materials and facilities; (7) community involvement; (8) environment and background; and (9) program evaluation, auditing, and reporting. (JM)