This booklet describes early reading programs in six different elementary schools in Colorado that share the same goal--all children must be fluent readers and writers by the time they enter third grade. The six schools, while different in size, location, and socioeconomic makeup, each emphasize: early intervention; a balanced, consistent teaching approach by all teachers; 30 minutes daily of one-to-one reading work tailored to each child's learning style; reading at home with parents; and community involvement. Every school program described in the booklet makes reading part of everything the children do during the school day, stresses accountability for students and teachers, and provides in-depth professional training and support. All school programs reported drops in the need for remedial and special education services, and all have scored "impressive" gains in standardized tests since refocusing instruction on early literacy. (Contains 8 charts of data.) (RS)