There shall be a director of reading initiatives within the Department of Education. The director shall be responsible for (1) administering the intensive reading instruction program to improve student literacy in kindergarten to grade three, inclusive, and close the achievement gaps that result from opportunity gaps, pursuant to § 10-14u, (2) assisting in the development and administration of the program of professional development for teachers and principals in scientifically based reading research and instruction, pursuant to § 10-148b, (3) administering the coordinated state-wide reading plan for students in kindergarten to grade three, inclusive, pursuant to § 10-14v, (4) administering, within available appropriations, the incentive program described in § 10-14w, (5) providing assistance to local and regional boards of education in the administration of the reading assessments described in § 10-14t, and the implementation of school district reading plans, (6) providing information and assistance to parents and guardians of students relating to reading and literacy instruction, (7) addressing reading and literacy issues related to students who are English language learners, and (8) developing and administering any other state-wide reading and literacy initiatives for students in kindergarten to grade twelve, inclusive.