2008 READ 180 All-Stars

The 2007 READ 180 All-Stars are:

Symphany has tested out of special education and is now in general education classes and succeeding in school. “She has conquered every challenge thrown her way,” writes her teacher, Ira Perry. “Symphany’s success and determination carries over from reading into all areas.” Symphany, who loves reading now, says, “I miss my READ 180 class, but I’m glad I’m out!”

Now, Freddie is reading above grade level, is proud of the progress he has made in his reading, and recognizes that he is improving every day.  “In the beginning of the year, I never liked to read and write, but now I made it to the District Spelling Bee and came in fifth place!”

Giang’s hard work is paying off; her reading skills are rising and she’s recognizing the changes in herself, “I try my best to speak, read and write English well,’’ she says, “And I know that if I try my best, there’s nothing I can’t overcome.” 

Now, Florentina reads on grade level and sees the impact of her increased reading scores in school and beyond. “Now I understand what I’m reading and succeed in reading,” she said, “and I’m making good choices in my life outside of school.”

According to teacher Sara Carroll, Terryelle has a “newly adopted positive attitude toward herself and school, which is a direct result of her improved reading ability.”  Terryelle is just happy to be reading and writing. “I’m proud to hold my head up high because I know that I can make something out of myself. My mom and family are really proud of me and I know I am going to succeed in life.”

After less than a year in the program, Jose’s reading scores are rising and he marks a transformation in not only his own life, but also in the lives of his younger brothers, who consider him a role model, “They can often be found spending much of their time reading, and they are embracing the life-changing concept that reading is essential and vital to success (essential and vital are words I recently learned!).”

Caleb
Stage C, Fort Vancouver High School, Vancouver, WA
Before beginning his reading intervention program, Caleb was the kind of student who sat quietly in the back row and was easily overlooked.  He lacked the confidence to read aloud in class, and had trouble relating to many of his classmates. But he has found a home in his class, is catching up with his peers academically, and making new friends while he’s at it…one of his best new friends is his teacher.

“Caleb really has done a ‘180’” writes his teacher, Bree Petty, “he is speaking aloud in groups, answering questions, becoming a group leader, and improving his reading and written language skills.”  Caleb recognizes his own transition as well, “My reading and writing has improved and I might be able to go to college now and get a job helping kids that have trouble reading like I had trouble reading!”

Kevin’s accelerating reading skills have helped his performance in all his classes. “From the low Fs he was earning in most of his classes, he has risen to mostly As and Bs,” writes his teacher, Kimberly Martin, “He now influences others to succeed and is a willing and important member of our class discussions.”

The 2006 READ 180 All-Stars are:

Jimmy
Stage B, Dr. Sun Yat Sen Middle School 131, New York, NY
The child of Chinese immigrants on New York City’s Lower East Side, Jimmy has little contact with English speakers outside of school, and has little exposure to the world beyond his neighborhood. A student classified as Special Education, Jimmy has always struggled in school, but perseveres because he “wants a better future for himself and his family.” Since making drastic improvements in reading, Jimmy has also begun to value and respect himself as a learner as well as a person.

McKenzie
Stage B, Raytown South Middle School, Raytown, MO
At the beginning of seventh grade, McKenzie’s struggle with reading affected all her core classes. Says McKenzie, “I hated school and reading, but that changed about a year and a half ago.” McKenzie was reading on a low elementary school level when she entered seventh grade. Today, she reads on grade level and now includes her English class among her favorite things about school. McKenzie speaks proudly of her recent transformation, “My experience learning to read was amazing…I wish I could find a way to thank READ 180 and my two amazing teachers for what they have done. My future is brighter and clearer, and I couldn’t be more thankful.”

Lennon
Stage A, Lake View Elementary, Huntington Beach, CA
Despite the support of his concerned family, Lennon struggled to learn to read and entered fifth grade as a beginning reader. Since he began reading intervention, Lennon has made tremendous growth in reading. He is excited to learn and he tries hard every day to make the most of his academic experience. Lennon is proud of the progress he has made in his reading, and recognizes that he is improving on a daily basis. “I am really happy I am learning to read, and my parents are proud of me, too!” Lennon’s new mantra is, “I can read!”

Adam
Stage A, Fairview Elementary, Anchorage, AK
A naturally shy child, Adam transferred into his school’s Special Education program this year as a fifth grader. In the minority as a Yupik (Alaskan Native), and with little knowledge of life outside of Alaska, Adam struggled to open up to other students and his teachers. Through reading intervention, Adam began to blossom and learned to read. Adam excitedly states, “I used to have a hard time in school, but now, I like to read! My grades in other classes have gone up as well.”

Raul
Stage A, Andrew Jackson Elementary, McAllen, TX
Raul, an English-Language Learner, has had to struggle to understand English on his own and set an example for his younger siblings. At the beginning of the year, he was performing at a low elementary school level, but today reads at a fifth grade level. Raul says, “I used to be shy getting up in front of the class, but now it is a piece of cake!” Raul eagerly continues, “READ 180 has definitely turned me around! I have read 13 books and I am not stopping!”

The 2005 READ 180 All-Stars are:

Jesse, READ 180, Stage B
Indian Trail Junior High School, Olathe, KS
Jesse now puts a great deal of emphasis on his grades, has advanced in all areas of the curriculum, and has almost finished reading his first novel, all the while gaining more self-confidence. Jesse says, ”READ 180 has changed me. Now I love reading books. Instead of playing my game station, I read all day at home.”

Kevin, READ 180, Stage A
Morse Avenue Elementary School, Placentia, CA
Kevin, whose native language is Spanish, has taken on a leadership role among his peers and has transformed his attitude towards learning. ”READ 180 is the best thing that ever happened to me in my life. It has helped me read with more confidence,” says Kevin.

Melissa, READ 180, Stage C
Taylor Middle-High School, Pierson, FL
Melissa has improved her schoolwork in all of her content-area classes and is now on the Honor Roll. Melissa says, “Reading is very fun for me now because I understand what I am reading.”

Milan, READ 180, Stage A
Corley Elementary School, Lawrenceville, GA
Milan has a new attitude since starting the READ 180 program. Milan says, “It was like reading was a sworn enemy that couldn’t be conquered. Reading is no longer an enemy. It is now my best friend.”