The Office of Reading First is accountable for ensuring that the Maryland Reading First Initiative, funded by the United State Department of Education, meets all federal and financial requirements and fits into a cohesive plan. The Office is responsible for administering a sub-grant competition for eligible LEAs and monitoring the compliance of LEAs that receive funding. Office staff are responsible for providing ongoing technical assistance to eligible LEAs re: curriculum, instruction, and assessment in beginning reading. In addition, the Maryland Reading First Initiative outlines a rigorous professional development plan for MSDE staff, LEA central office personnel, Reading First principals and faculties, and all Maryland K-3 reading teachers and K-12 special education teachers. The implementation of that six-year plan, the monitoring of instruction and assessment of beginning reading in Reading First Schools, and the evaluation of professional development activities funded under Reading First is the responsibility of the Office of Reading First.

The Office of Reading First submits annual reports to the United States Department of Education describing the impact of the Reading First program in Maryland. Federal statute holds the state accountable for demonstrating progress for K-3 student reading performance in schools receiving Reading First funding. The Office of Reading First ensures that appropriate student and school level data is factored into the annual reports.