2009 Federal Education Budget Cuts Reading First $, Boosts Title I

Education Week Magazine reports (subscription site) that funding to the Reading First program will be totally eliminated in the long delayed FY 2009 Federal Education Department budget, as recently approved by the US Senate. The House passed a similar bill in February-both versions zero out federal funding for Reading First.

Ed. Week reporters Alyson Klein and Erik W. Robelen wrote "The planned elimination of funding for Reading First represents a reversal of fortune for a prominent initiative of President George W. Bush’s administration. At its height, the program was being funded at $1 billion a year, but it also drew controversy, including suggestions of conflicts of interest."

Title I, the program for disadvantaged students, will see a 4.3% increase in the Education budget, to $14.5 billion. Title I previously received $10 billion from the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act.