Prepared as part of a comprehensive study of reading in Virginia, this booklet contains standards identified by educators that must be exhibited by reading programs in order for them to be classified as "excellent." The ten standards are organized around four components: the learner and learning environment, organizing and managing a reading program, staffing a reading program, and school and community commitment. The standards are also related to one of four principles concerning reading programs. Each standard is accompanied by a list of criteria for evaluation and a five-point rating scale. (FL)