The Altoona Area School District is getting $1.5-million from the federal government to strengthen its literacy program.
 
Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis made the announcement on Wednesday. The Keystones to Opportunity grant is a five-year, competitive federal grant program designed to assist local education agencies in developing and implementing local comprehensive literacy plans.
 
Tomalis says more than $36.1-million in federal funding is being awarded to 56 literacy programs from around the state for students from birth through 12th grade. AASD spokeswoman Paula Foreman says the district will create a Comprehensive Literacy Plan that aligns both Academic Standards and Common Core Standards
 
The Tyrone Area School District is also receiving $142,200 for its literacy education efforts.