Project Read 180 was piloted during the second semester at Eastern last year in an effort to improve the skills of struggling readers. It was developed with input from Kevin Feldman, an expert in vocabulary growth who is working with Lansing teachers.

The program offers large and small group instruction, independent reading, and computer software to help further develop vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and spelling skills of students so they can improve their performance in all subject areas.

Although Read 180 was fully implemented for only one marking period during the 2010-11 academic year, the staff saw a dramatic increase in the targeted students’ reading scores and a growing confidence in their ability to read.

Approximately 100 ninth graders are enrolled in the program this year.