California students are making progress in reading, but a shortage of literacy coaches could leave rural schools behind. Fourth-grade reading proficiency has climbed from 40% in 2014 to 46% last year following major state investments in phonics, teacher training and other literacy programs. Schools that hired literacy coaches saw some of the biggest improvements. Finding those coaches remains difficult in rural areas, including communities like Lake and Mendocino counties. The state is putting another $350 million into the program.