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Nadine Wimmer reportingA reading incentive program piloted at dozens of schools across the state shows some impressive results. More kids are reading every day, and more are reading at grade level. Teachers are encouraged about the early indicators.
Last summer, truckloads of bicycles went to schools taking part in the "Road to Success" reading program. The goal was simple: Generate excitement about reading, and try to boost performance in this most important of subjects. Even before year-end tests, schools are seeing progress.
Students from Roy Elementary are celebrating. Teachers weren't sure they could meet the reading goal, but since they did, students got the privilege of throwing Snowballs -- the Hostess kind -- at the principal.
Reading specialist Janene Salt said, "I think for many of the kids it has helped them to see that reading can be fun. I think for some of them they've learned that 20 minutes a night is not a whole lot of time to spend reading."
All this hoopla isn't just over bikes, but books. For the first time, fifth-grader Nathan Durrant begged for a library card. "I read like 200 [minutes] each night," he said. Nathan's father said, "He was so excited. He was probably more excited about getting his public library card than he was about anything else he's gotten for the last year."
With Road to Success, students school-wide track their reading time and compete for incentives, big and small. At Roy, they've been tracking fifth-graders. Two years ago, 39 percent were reading at grade level. Last year, it was 43 percent. So far this year, 61 percent are reading at grade level.
Teachers caution, a lot can influence reading scores, but Road to Success is the only new thing they've tried.
Janene Salt explained, "It gives that extra incentive and helps the kids remember to read. I think it gets them talking to their parents about it because they want to be a part of the excitement."
Perhaps more persuasive than the numbers is this testimonial: When our new reading convert, Nathan Durrant, got in trouble recently, his dad handed out the worst punishment possible. He grounded Nathan from reading!
"Dad couldn't take anything else away from me that I loved so much that I'd get mad about it and learn my lesson. He figured reading would be good, and it worked!" Nathan said.
KSL is one of the sponsors of Road To Success, so you can find more information or how to get your school involved at the link on this page.
