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eading intervention is imperative for students as they build their skills and set the foundation for their education. In 2015, GISD realized the need for this type of intervention and began utilizing the READ 180/System 44 program for students beginning in 3rd grade, and the students are reaping tremendous benefits overall. The program has a variety of services and enhancements based on the students’ grade level and the needs of the individual student.
READ 180 is a blended learning environment that accelerates instruction through a combination of proven and adaptive technology. This model organizes class time to provide balanced literacy that targets the needs of struggling readers. It allows for more individualized instruction through diagnostic evaluations and real-time data specific to the student. A big focus of READ 180 is a growth mindset. Students are constantly self-reflecting and setting new goals for higher academic achievement, gaining new strategies and establishing confidence in their abilities. The student growth while in the program is astounding. Overall, 80% of all students have shown significant gains in closing the learning gap since entering the program; 67% have grown 1-2 grade levels, and 18% have grown 3-4 grade levels. In 2019-2020, 13 students were nominated for a national award based on their outstanding achievement. Although 16
• Gainesville SPOT SPOTlight light • Summer 2021
nominations were not accepted for the 2020-2021 school year, many more students demonstrated achievements worthy of nomination. In a time when COVID made teaching and learning very difficult, these programs allowed our intervention teachers to consistently reach those students with reading difficulties and continue with their individual growth.
A few of the 6th-grade students reflect on what READ 180 has done for them: “Read 180 has helped me improve my reading and is making me a better writer.” - C. Thomas “It has helped me with my reading. It even helped me use complete sentences and understand grammar.” - H. Garrison “Read 180 has helped me read and also it has helped me get ready for the STAAR Test.” - C. Bustos “Read 180 has helped me become a better reader. For example, before Read 180, I would read and never ask questions. But now, I do because I understand what I am reading.” - A. Fernandez “I have noticed an improvement in all his grades, and he is trying harder.” - Ms. Nieto, Parent of a student in Read 180
