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Why Support RIF - Research Findings
RIF incorporates research and educational findings into its programs and policies. Learn more below about how RIF responds to research.
 I’ve just seen how the lights go on in the students’ eyes when they know and understand that these are books that are theirs - they get to keep them, they don’t have to give them back. Even today I have former students who come and say “Do you know I still have all of my RIF books?”
- Ida Thompson, RIF program coordinator
Research findings:
Children who do not have access to books and do not read regularly are among the most vulnerable Americans. All major educational research of the last decade identifies access to books as a key factor in children’s reading achievement.
RIF actions:
Every child who participates in a RIF program chooses three free books to keep. By allowing children to choose their books, RIF makes them active participants in their education.
Research findings:
Many of our nation’s children lack the motivation to read. Students who read more frequently for fun have higher reading proficiency scores than those who read less frequently. Interestingly, a positive correlation also exists between the amount of time children read for pleasure and their math and science achievement.
RIF actions:
Every RIF program includes motivational activities as a cornerstone of program delivery. Through carefully crafted motivational activities, RIF provides children with a wide range of experiences that make reading fun.
Research findings:
Research has shown that children who spontaneously learn to read early come from families who read together, have books at home, and whose adults engage in literacy activities themselves. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the single most important activity for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children.
 RIF actions:
RIF recognizes that parents are the first teachers. Through RIF’s Shared Beginnings and Family of Readers programs, we provide family reading programs that help parents develop the necessary educational skills and self-confidence to foster their children’s literacy skills. In addition, all RIF programs encourage parents and community members to get involved in their children’s literacy development.
References:
- Helping Your Child Become a Reader, U.S. Department of Education, January 2000.
- Learning Math and Learning Science, International Assessment of Educational Progress, by Educational Testing Service for the U.S. Department of Education, 1992.
- NAEP 1992 Reading Report Card for the Nation and States
- Neuman, Susan B. Learning from Family of Readers: An Evaluation, 1997.
- Starting Out Right—a Guide to Promoting Children’s Reading Successes, the National Research Council.
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