Berlin Middle School Open School Year with New Resources
When students at Berlin Middle School started classes this year, there was an added resource available for them. Granite United Way has expanded the Reading Plus ® program to the middle school and for the first time has been able to offer access to every student in the school.
The Reading Plus ® program is designed to improve students' reading efficiency, comprehension, and motivation. First, the "Insight" test determines what reading level the students are at and how fast or slow the program needs to proceed to meet their individual needs. Next, students get to choose what type of books they want to read, hopefully motivating them to be engaged with the text. Comprehension questions provide data showing the areas each individual student needs more support and practice with. These results are posted not just for the teachers, but also for the students.
Last year, Granite United Way was able to offer the Reading Plus program at Berlin High School. More than 50 students were able to access the program. This year more than 270 students at Berlin Middle School will have access to this innovative program. The program was also piloted in several other regions by Granite United Way and to date more than 500 students have gotten back on track in their reading skills as a result of the investments.
“This program is an investment in our student’s lives. Our students who are currently struggling with their reading skills will have the opportunity to improve this critical skill and make a positive change in their school career,” said Dan Record, Berlin Middle School Principal. “Thank you to Granite United Way and their generous donors for making this program possible.”
“We are excited to bring this program to the Berlin Middle School,” said Janet Nickerson, Granite United Way Board Member and Community Impact Committee Chair. “Granite United Way has seen great success across our footprint with this program and we are thrilled to expand the program here in Berlin."