Written by Susan Hohenleitner

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What is QuickReads?

QuickReads is an instructional program created to help students improve their fluency, comprehension and background knowledge. It is designed for students reading at levels 2 to 6 and each level contains high-frequency words, phonics patterns and a read along CD. The texts are short, interesting topics based on a science and social studies content area. The program offers students the opportunity to read independently while providing interactive feedback through speech-recognition technology. The newest program provides Spanish vocabulary help for ESL / ELL learners.


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"With QuickReads Technology Edition, we've brought together innovative speech recognition technology and scientific research on fluency to address an area that has long been neglected in traditional reading programs." said Dan Canton, President, Pearson Learning Group.

This short video provides an in-depth look on the newest QuickReads Technology Edition v. 3.0 by Pearson Learning Group.

How to use QuickReads?

Students can use QuickReads on their classroom computer. The program is user friendly and is easy for students to navigate. The classroom package comes with texts, read along CD's, and headsets with microphones attached.
Workstation requirements


The students would follow these steps independently:

• click on their name and password
• choose a passage from the library
• identify challenging words by clicking on an unfamiliar word
• read and record the passage
• listen to a model read for fluency
• read and record a second time
• complete comprehension questions
• check score for words per minute
• go back to improve score or move on

There is a self check feature which allows the student to monitor themselves. The student can playback their recording and listen how they read. There is even a "How Am I Doing?" section which promotes motivation. The entire program can be administered for 15 minutes a day.

Why use QuickReads?

QuickReads is a research-based, classroom validated fluency program that motivates students to read. It is a flexible technology resource for students to practice and model fluent reading. See site and click on binoculars to view research.

The benefits to using QuickReads in the classroom:

• provides additional support
• works independently and at their own pace
• extensive reading practice and interactive feedback
• prompts pronunciation of unknown and misread words
• makes reading fun and engaging

How are teachers using QuickReads?

QuickReads is an extension to a resource in fluency, comprehension and background knowledge. Schools are beginning to implement this program into their curriculum to increase their student reading performance. "QuickReads is now used in over 2,000 classrooms throughout the U.S., motivating students to read, building student confidence, and contributing to tremendous gains."
said Dan Canto, President, Pearson Learning Group.

Teachers use the program for:

• additional support
• monitor individual and class progress
• view and print progress reports
• chart Benchmark and student performance
• foster student fluency

The Southeast Delco School District, outside of Philadelphia, PA, implemented the program in 2004 for their 3rd grade classrooms. After three months, they saw an increase in student reading performance. "This year, we've decide to expand the implementation to include all 2nd grade classrooms to help close the gap between proficient and struggling readers even faster," said Dr. Joanne Romano, Director of Technology and Reading First Coordinator for the district.

Links to schools implementing QuickReads:

• Santa Cruz County, CA
• Village Glen School, CA
• Reading First in Virginia

Request a QuickReads Sampler for your classroom today!



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Resources

The Journal. (2005). QuickReads Technology Edition. Retrieved July 15, 2006, from http://thejournal.com/articles/17367

Pearson Education. (2005). Retrieved July 19, 2006, from Press Release about QuickReads Web site: http://www.pearsoned.com/pr_2005/030205.htm

Pearson Learning Group. (2006). Video. Retrieved July 19, 2006, from QuickReads Technology Edition Web site: http://www.pearsonlearning.com/quickreads/tech_edition/

Pearson Learning Group.(2005). Retrieved July 19, 2006, from Pearson Learning Group Web site: http://pearsonlearning.com/mcp/quickreads.cfm

The QuickReads Program.(2006, March). Retrieved July 19, 2006, from QuickReads Web site: http://quickreads.org