[1] 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.
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.
Some state departments of education and local school districts appreciate the federal support it provides.
[3] [4] 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.