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June 16, 2003
Reading First: An Administrator's Debrief
For superintendents, tech coordinators, and principals, some key points in the Reading First portion of the newest legislation.
By Susan McLester
We spoke with Jon Bower, literacy expert and CEO of Lexia Learning, for a quick take on managing the what, when, and how of Reading First. Following are some tips for those in charge.
The Law
- By the year 2012, 100 percent of students must be reading on grade level.
- States must apply to the federal government for Reading First funds. Districts then apply to the state for their share of the funds.
- Reading First funds are allocated for six years. Money goes to the very neediest schools for the first year or two. Later, schools and districts not fitting this profile will also be able to apply.
- Each school and district must create a plan "to get from here to there" and then measure themselves against the plan. The plan must include the use of curriculum products, teaching methods, and teacher training strategies whose success has been proven through scientific research.
- Any school not achieving adequate yearly progress must provide tutoring for under-performing students. The district must bear the cost of tutoring.
- Beginning with the 2003-2004 school year, parents will be eligible to obtain tutoring vouchers.
- If students are still not adequately achieving after two years of tutoring, parents may move them to another school in the district.
Challenge: With education budgets being slashed in almost every state, staff experienced in writing grant applications are often those losing their jobs. New writers will have to get up to speed quickly on both written communication and an understanding of scientifically based research.
Assistance: Partner with a group who "knows how."
In Massachusetts, academics at the Institute of Health Professionals, which has a world-renowned reading center, are offering their expertise on assessments and approaches to local districts.
Challenge: Schools and districts are in danger of losing funding to private tutoring businesses when students don't achieve. Learning centers such as Sylvan, Kaplan, and Huntington are already gearing up to service students in large numbers.
Assistance: Some schools can create their own supplemental service centers on campus. As long as these centers are separate from the location of failure, they can legitimately tutor students.
Challenge: Once committing to a Reading First plan, schools are required to stick with their solutions for six years. This can result in a curriculum that over time feels narrow and rigid.
Assistance: Do your research up front. Take a broad look at what products and methods you might use and include them all as possibilities in your application. This way, you'll retain some flexibility.
Challenge: When Reading First funds become available to a broader range of schools a couple of years down the line, these schools may be cought unprepared in the best ways to craft a successful grant application.
Assistance: Start research-based practices now. When the time comes to apply, you'll have the expertise.
Challenge: Your district is not committed to the philosophies of the Reading First bill.
Assistance: Take a pass. Remember, Reading First represents only $900 million of a $360 billion national education budget. There are plenty of other ways to accomplish your goals.
Susan McLester is editor in chief of T&L.
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