Reading First
Encyclopedia
Reading First is a federal education
program in the United States
mandated under the No Child Left Behind Act
and administered by the federal Department of Education
. The program requires that school
s funded by Reading First use "scientifically based" reading instruction.
Program funding is allocated to Title I Schools for "Scientifically Based Reading Research" (SBRR) and also for hiring "coaches," who assist teachers in learning the newest SBRR for use in classrooms. Coaches analyze data to drive instruction for individual children in every classroom. Reading First is limited to kindergarten
through third-grade
classes, while Early Reading First money is allocated for pre-kindergarten materials and coaches.
In September 2006, an internal review by the Department of Education's Office of Inspector General found the Reading First program exhibited conflicts of interest
in that some of the consultants hired by the Department of Education to train teachers and state department of education personnel also were coauthors of certain reading programs. The review also suggested the department repeatedly tried to dictate which curriculum schools must use. The US Department of Education reacted to reports that some states believed that they should purchase certain reading programs with federal Reading First funds by publishing a statement for states that this was not the case and was not a requirement for federal funding. Still, the perception remained. The program also has many defenders. Some state departments of education and local school districts appreciate the federal support it provides.
A large-scale nationwide study of the program released in 2008 found that it does not improve students' reading comprehension, although testing in many states has found improvement in basic reading skills.
Education
Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
program in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
mandated under the No Child Left Behind Act
No Child Left Behind Act
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is a United States Act of Congress concerning the education of children in public schools.NCLB was originally proposed by the administration of George W. Bush immediately after he took office...
and administered by the federal Department of Education
United States Department of Education
The United States Department of Education, also referred to as ED or the ED for Education Department, is a Cabinet-level department of the United States government...
. The program requires that school
School
A school is an institution designed for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is commonly compulsory. In these systems, students progress through a series of schools...
s funded by Reading First use "scientifically based" reading instruction.
Program funding is allocated to Title I Schools for "Scientifically Based Reading Research" (SBRR) and also for hiring "coaches," who assist teachers in learning the newest SBRR for use in classrooms. Coaches analyze data to drive instruction for individual children in every classroom. Reading First is limited to kindergarten
Kindergarten
A kindergarten is a preschool educational institution for children. The term was created by Friedrich Fröbel for the play and activity institute that he created in 1837 in Bad Blankenburg as a social experience for children for their transition from home to school...
through third-grade
Third grade
In the United States, third grade is a year of primary education. It is the third school year after kindergarten. Students are usually 8 – 9 years old, depending on when their birthday occurs....
classes, while Early Reading First money is allocated for pre-kindergarten materials and coaches.
In September 2006, an internal review by the Department of Education's Office of Inspector General found the Reading First program exhibited conflicts of interest
Conflicts of Interest
"Conflicts of Interest" is an episode from the fourth season of the science fiction television series Babylon 5.-Arc significance:* Garibaldi begins to work for William Edgars. In the process Garibaldi is reintroduced to his ex-girlfriend, Lise, who is currently married to Edgars.* The "Voice of...
in that some of the consultants hired by the Department of Education to train teachers and state department of education personnel also were coauthors of certain reading programs. The review also suggested the department repeatedly tried to dictate which curriculum schools must use. The US Department of Education reacted to reports that some states believed that they should purchase certain reading programs with federal Reading First funds by publishing a statement for states that this was not the case and was not a requirement for federal funding. Still, the perception remained. The program also has many defenders. Some state departments of education and local school districts appreciate the federal support it provides.
A large-scale nationwide study of the program released in 2008 found that it does not improve students' reading comprehension, although testing in many states has found improvement in basic reading skills.
External links
- "Bush's Billion-Dollar a Year Reading Program Beset by Favoritism, Mismanagement," by Ben Feller, The Associated Press, September 23, 2006.
- Funds for 'Reading First' Program in Peril by Larry Abramson. Morning Edition, National Public Radio, July 27, 2007.
- Reading First Impact Study, Interim Report, April 2008