Letter to State

APPENDIX H
INTRODUCTORY LETTER TO STATES

600 Maryland Ave. S.W., Suite 550
Washington, DC 20024-2512
Telephone (202) 484-9220
Fax (202) 863-1763
www.mathematica-mpr.com

February ##, 2005

Dear _____________________:
I am writing to encourage your cooperation on an important study of reading comprehension
curricula the U.S. Department of Education (ED) is sponsoring.
As you know, far too many students struggle with reading, particularly when it comes to
comprehending the complex text used in many classes. Despite this, very little is known about
the effectiveness of different approaches for teaching reading comprehension strategies to
students. To help move our understanding in this area forward, ED is launching a national
evaluation of reading comprehension curricula. This study will give educators valuable
information about the effectiveness of up to four reading comprehension curricula.
This is the first national study of reading curricula, and it will be applying the most rigorous,
scientifically-based methods. ED has contracted with Mathematica Policy Research, an
experienced research firm, to conduct the study.
We hope that you will give participation in this important study fair consideration. If you
have any questions about the study, please contact Dr. Wendy Mansfield, the study’s deputy
project director, at 1-888-535-0283 or at wmansfield@mathematica-mpr.com.

Sincerely,

[Name]
[Title]

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