- Evaluation Studies Underway
- Literacy
- Even Start
- Reading First
- Reading Comprehension
- Adolescent Literacy
- Mathematics
- Teacher Quality
- Choice
- English Language Learning
- Effectiveness of Educational Technology Interventions
- Supplemental Educational Services
- After-School Programs
- School-Based Violence Prevention Program
- Adult Education
- Student Mentoring Program
- Random Mandatory Drug Testing Study
- Comprehensive Technical Assistance Centers
- Magnet School Assistance Program
- Technical Assistance
- Special Education
Reading First Impact Study
Contractors: Abt Associates, MDRC, RMC Research, Westat, and Rosenblum-Brigham Associates.
Key Staff:
Beth Gamse (Abt)
Jim Kemple (MDRC)
Howard Bloom (MDRC)
Robin Jacob (Abt/University of Michigan)
Research Questions:
- What is the impact of the Reading First program on student reading achievement?
- What is the impact of Reading First on classroom instruction?
- What is the relationship between the degree of implementation of scientifically-based reading instruction and student reading achievement?
Design: The study uses a quasi-experimental design (regression discontinuity) that provides unbiased estimates of program impact. This design includes districts that used a quantifiable rating/ranking process to choose which schools received Reading First funding. The study compares reading outcomes in schools scoring above the cutoff point for funding (Reading First schools) with reading outcomes in schools scoring below the cutoff point (non-Reading First schools).
The evaluation includes about 125 Reading First schools and 125 non-Reading First schools, collecting data over a three-year period (2004-2005 through 2006-2007). Data collection includes direct student assessment in reading comprehension and observations of classroom reading instruction.
Duration: 5.5 years (October 1, 2003–March 28, 2009)
Reports: The final report on this study will be announced on http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/.
Current Status: (August 2008) The interim report was released May 1, 2008. The contractors are preparing the final report that will provide information on all three years of data collection.
