Long term costs of literacy difficulties

This report, published by the Reading Recovery Council of North America, estimates a 30-year savings of Reading Recovery investment. Read the report (pdf).

Costs and Funding

Given the competing demands on education budgets at the federal, state, and local levels, it is important that all programs instituted are cost-effective. In Reading Recovery, the long-term benefits of literacy achievement may significantly outweigh the short-term cost of instruction and teacher preparation. By intervening early, Reading Recovery reduces referrals and placements in special education, limits retention, and has lasting effects. The local cost of providing Reading Recovery services for 12 to 20 weeks will be substantially less than those for retention and special education, particularly when the majority of Reading Recovery children sustain their learning gains.

Costs for Reading Recovery occur in two phases: start-up and ongoing expenses. These factors should be considered when estimating the cost of implementing a Reading Recovery program:

• number of children who will need Reading Recovery instruction
• number of teacher positions needed to teach those children
• initial and ongoing training
• materials
• facilities

There are a variety of sources available for funding Reading Recovery. Many schools use federal education funds. Others use state, local, foundation funds, or competitive grants. Schools also may choose to develop long-term funding plans that utilize different sources along the way to reach long-term, stable funding.

The Reading Recovery Council of North America Web site provides information about the following topics:

• funding sources
• cost-effectiveness
• cost benefits

View The Economy of Reading Recovery video

This video produced by the Reading Recovery Council of North America highlights what administrators think about their experiences with Reading Recovery. View The Economy of Reading Recovery video.