Keeping Students on Track in Reading Wherever they are Learning This Year

Reading Plus® is changing the way students read at twelve New Hampshire schools this year. Whether they are learning at home or in the classroom, students are receiving consistent, quality education through this web-based silent reading program. 

Reading Plus® uses data from lesson assessments and participation to adapt to students’ interests and skills. The program improves students’ reading efficiency, comprehension, and motivation with highly individualized lessons that meet their’ needs while allowing them to select content of interest.

"I really like using Reading Plus because I get to choose what I read and the stories are very interesting," said Dustin, a Reading Plus student from Broken Ground School

The move to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic kept teachers informed of students’ participation and progress and through the spring of 2020. Over 2,200 students saw an average of 1.7 years of reading improvement. 

“Now, more than ever, we need innovative technology solutions to ensure all students begin the new school year learning and making academic progress,” said Briana Curran, Vice President, Community Relations and Communications at Wells Fargo, which has invested $105,000 over three years in the program. “Granite United Way’s commitment to Manchester students is unparalleled and the expansion of Reading Plus® will have a tremendous impact for so many in the community.” 

This fall, Manchester and Concord communities are committed to improving reading levels despite back-to-school challenges. Manchester schools have currently enrolled over 3,000 students in the Reading Plus® program and Broken Ground School in Concord, NH has joined the Reading Plus® movement bringing this valuable learning tool to its 318 students.

"We have had several students move entire grade levels in just a few short months," said Jessica Milligan, Principal Southside Middle School. "We are excited to continue to build the program to full implementation and support our students to become career and college ready."

There was a lot of stress and uncertainty at back-to-school time this year, but Reading Plus® was a constant the New Hampshire kids could count on! This fall Granite United Way helped three school districts enroll 3,500 students grades k-12 in the program.

We are incredibly grateful for the support we received from our corporate partner sponsors; Wells Fargo, The Norwin S. & Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation, Campus Compact NH, TD Bank, and Lincoln Financial Group, who made Reading Plus® a reality for so many students across the state this year!