Central High School’s empowering goal of college and career readiness for all students begins in a single classroom with just a simple program.  

The Read 180 Program began early this week offering assistance to students needing to increase their reading level. The program consists of decoding, phonics, and enhanced vocabulary.

The 90-minute blocks are separated into three 30-minute sessions that include group activities, individual reading, and programs on the computers. The different sessions are shown to keep the students’ attention longer.

“The program will be as successful as the kids buy into it,” said the program advisor James Taylor. Taylor also mentioned the program as being in full function within the next two years.

According to Scholastic, the Read 180 Program is the most effective reading intervention program. Scientifically proven by the Federal Department of Education, the program may take full effect sooner than two years.

Officially launched in May of 2011, the Read 1980 Program is a result of five years of intensive research and development. Today, it serves over one million students a day in over 40,000 classrooms. The question still stands as to how successful it will be at Central.

Central High School’s principal, Dr. Lynn Seifert, will be surprised if improvement is not made through this program.

Seifert recalls the reading program having tremendous results at her previous school. “I love to read and it breaks my heart to think that there are students out there who think they can’t read,” said the principal with the utmost compassion.

Triumph is at the doorstep for the students who are taking advantage of this help. Available to mostly freshmen, the program will have time to take effect in order for the students to graduate at their required standards.

Costing a grand total of $35,000, the program is said to be worth every penny; 20 new laptops, comfortable furniture, headphones, etc. The computers will be accessible for other students as well. This program could benefit the school entirely.  

Teacher Zach Odell believes it will be an asset to Central High School with its new and unfamiliar take on comprehension and assessment.

Each standing confident on the subject, Seifert, Taylor, and Odell not only show faith in this program but in each student involved.

Central High School allows students to act only to the best of their abilities. The Read 180 Program is beneficial to all and will help improve the school as a whole.