Dr Jennifer Buckingham writes a clear summary exposing the manipulation of findings featured in so many reports on the expensive and flawed Reading Recovery programme:
However, recent studies in three countries have provided strong evidence that Reading Recovery does not have significant positive effects in the medium or long-term. An Australian study showed a negative effect of participation in the program two years later.
Despite the lack of evidence supporting a sustained positive impact of Reading Recovery, many schools and school systems continue to invest heavily in it. This comes at a high cost both to education budgets and to the children who do not benefit from the program, and would have achieved better outcomes with a more effective intervention.
I'm cross-referencing this thread with further information alerting people to the lack of transparency of Reading Recovery research - which is 'pinned' on the 'General Forum':
The Reading Wars and Reading Recovery: What Educators, Families, and Taxpayers Should Know