"Reading First is the largest and most effective federal early reading initiative in our nation's history." - U.S. Department of Education, April, 2007
Reading First, the literacy cornerstone of the No Child Left Behind Act, was designed to help the neediest of students in grades K-3 to become proficient readers. This intensive program focuses on the improvement of children's reading skills through scientifically-based instructional methods; concomitant teacher professional development and teaching materials; and valid, reliable assessment methods.
Continuous assessment, in the form of classroom based reading assessments and formal evaluation conducted by an external evaluator, leads to continuous improvement and is the key reason for the success of the Reading First program. Although not without its areas in need of improvement, Reading First has filled a serious vacuum in the American educational system: proven methods for improving literacy skills in the neediest populations.
The results of Reading First are, to date, quite impressive.[1]
Average gains in literacy occurred across ages and skill areas, according to baseline data reported by 26 states. For example, all three grades saw improvement in fluency: an increase of 16 percent by first-graders; 14 percent by second-graders, and 15 percent by third-graders. Grade 1-3 students also made gains in reading comprehension: 15 percent for first-graders; 6 percent for second-graders, and 12 percent for third-graders.
Moreover, on the important issue of "closing the achievement gap," these data suggest that nearly all subgroups (Hispanic, African American, Disabled, English Language Learners, and the Economically Disadvantaged) have made exciting growth in reading proficiency. Part of the core structure of the Reading First program is to target those students in greatest need at the earliest possible time, so that they can receive the most pertinent intervention in the timeliest fashion; this strategy has led to these improvements for students at the greatest risk and degree of disadvantage.
Hezel Associates, LLC, is helping to ensure quality education for students by serving as the external evaluator for the New Hampshire Reading First program, which has seen solid gains in reading fluency and comprehension across all grade levels and student demographics.
[1] The source of all data in this report is www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2007/04/04192007.html
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