Statement by Antonia Cortese, Executive Vice President,
American Federation of Teachers,
on the U.S. Department of Education
Inspector General's Report on Reading First

Earlier today the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Education released a report evaluating the Department's handling of the Reading First program.  The report finds the Department in violation of statutory provisions that preclude its employees from exercising any direction, supervision, or control over the curriculum or program of instruction of any educational institution, school, or school system.   To view the full report, go to: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oig/aireports/i13f0017.doc .

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reading First is a successful and effective program in the classroom.  It is extremely important to teachers and to disadvantaged students.  Today's report, however, is a devastating account of mismanagement at all levels of the U.S. Department of Education.  Federal officials should not intervene to influence a state's selection of reading programs; such intervention leads to favoritism and could jeopardize the program's success.  The department should follow the law and not exclude providers who meet the established riteria. 

The Department of Education advocates high standards and accountability for students, schools and teachers; they should be held to the same standards.

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