< Back to NCLB Overview USDE Press Release: New Reading First Data From States Shows Impressive Gains in Reading Proficiency June 2008: U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings recently announced new data from the states showing impressive gains for Reading First students. The achievement data submitted by state education agencies and compiled and analyzed by the Education Department's contractor, American Institutes for Research, showed improvement in nearly every grade and subgroup, including English language learners and students with disabilities. Reading First builds on a solid foundation of scientifically based research and provides struggling students in the nation's highest need schools with the necessary resources to make significant progress in reading achievement. The new state data shows this emphasis on scientific research into reading is making a difference for all students: In Grade 1, 44 of 50 SEAs reported increases in the percentage of students proficient in reading comprehension. Of these, 31 SEAs increased by five percentage points or more. In Grade 2, 39 of 52 SEAs reported improvement. Of these, 19 SEAs increased by five percentage points or more. In Grade 3, 27 of 35 SEAs reported improvement. Of these, 15 SEAs increased by five percentage points or more For more information about this USDE press release, click on the URL link listed below. Related resources from SchoolsMovingUp: SchoolsMovingUp's No Child Left Behind (NCLB) special section provides specific resources, services, and tools on key NCLB topics, including select Department of Education guidance, regulations, legislation, and announcements. For easy reference, resources are organized by major NCLB topics. For more information on reading and literacy, go to SchoolsMovingUp's NCLB/Reading/Literacy page. URL: http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2008/06/06232008.html		NCLB Overview »  Adequate Yearly Progress »  Assessment & Accountability »  Charter Schools »  Choice/Transfer »  English Language Learners »  Enhancing Education Through Technology »  Highly Qualified Teachers »  IDEA and NCLB »  Paraprofessionals »  Parent Involvement »  Professional Development »  Reading/Literacy »  Rural Schools and Districts »  Safe Schools »  School/District Interventions »  Scientifically Based Research »  Supplemental Services