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PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona school districts are getting a boost to meet a third-grade reading mandate in the form of $40 million.

The Arizona Republic reported Sunday that schools statewide will receive money to assist in reaching a goal that all third-graders must have proficient reading skills.

The "Move on When Reading" mandate says students who fail must repeat the school year.

School officials say the funding amounts to about $132 per student for those in kindergarten through third grade.

Arizona lawmakers passed legislation two years ago requiring third-grade students to improve literacy skills starting in 2013.

Educators say this funding is the first from the state that is going specifically toward the mandate.