The Reading/K-5 Language Arts Program of the Des Moines (Iowa) Independent Community School District is directed by its mission statement to provide a quality educational program to a diverse community of students where all are expected to learn. In 1996-97, the elementary instructional materials selection committee studied students' achievement and teachers' instructional practices to establish criteria for selection of an elementary reading program. Instructional time allotted to Reading/K-5 Language Arts ranges from 38% in kindergarten to 45% in fifth grade. The Reading Is Fundamental program is supported by federal and local matching funds. The supervisor's 1996-97 goal is to provide leadership in selecting and implementing a comprehensive elementary reading/language arts program that facilitates instruction and promotes student growth in reading and writing. Supervisor activity from 1993-94 to the present documents over 500 visits to schools and over 300 in-services for teachers, parents, and administrators. The primary strength of the program is its committed and competent teachers. The deficiency of the program is the documented achievement gap between students qualifying for free/reduced lunch and those who do not. The supervisor will continue to support literacy growth by implementing the recently recommended elementary reading instructional materials adoption, and encouraging the use of exemplary instructional methods from the Reading Recovery program. The following needs will guide the program's direction: (1) identify assessment practices and instructional methods that address young children's needs; (2) seek funding for and coordinate staff development; and (3) provide intensive reading instruction for student identified for service. (Contains numerous tables of data.) (RS)