Detroit School Sees Dramatic Improvements in Students' Reading Abilities

Casa Richard Academy, a charter school located in the shadow of the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, has experienced truly astonishing results after implementing a specialized reading program provided by the Michigan-based company Optimum Reading. After adopting the Reading Plus(R) Program in 2008, students have shown an average increase of 3.3 points to ACT scores directly linked to individual reading skills. Casa Richard Academy is celebrating these achievements by hosting a celebratory luncheon for the students, their families, and Metro Detroit school administrators on May 14th. Legendary University of Michigan football player Dr. Billy Taylor will be the keynote speaker at the event. He will address issues such as the importance of a solid education and literacy, along with discussing his struggle to overcome addictions. In addition, the luncheon will recognize the hard work and dedication shown by the students, as well as demonstrating how the Reading Plus(R) Program has helped the students make such significant improvements in their reading scores.

As the first school in Detroit to embrace Reading Plus(R), Casa Richard Academy has dedicated themselves to the improvement of their student's reading abilities. Results of the Academy's implementation of the Reading Plus(R) Program can be seen in the actual ACT score improvements: Reading + 4.0 points; English + 3.7 points; Science + 2.5 points; and Composites Score + 2.9 points. Upon seeing the results of the pilot program, Casa Richard has chosen to continue utilizing Optimum Reading's proven support and resources, and has purchased Reading Plus(R) for ongoing use.

The Reading Plus(R) Program is an intelligent program, adapting to each student's needs as identified by a placement test. The program integrates perception and tracking practice with comprehension and vocabulary skills. With the completion of forty lessons, students typically improve their comprehension and vocabulary skills by two grade levels, with a reading rate improvement of 50%, due to reading more efficiently.

The success of Casa Richard and its students has drawn the attention of surrounding educational facilities. Since strong reading skills are clearly linked to student success, Optimum Reading hopes to share this powerful program with other Metro Detroit schools.