The positive impact of a popular reading intervention program in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System (EBRPSS) prompted a state lawmaker from Ohio to travel to the district for a closer look at how it works among students.  Ohio State Senator Shirley Smith, who represents the Cleveland area, spent two days in Baton Rouge getting acquainted with Scholastic© Read 180.   Senator Smith and representatives from Scholastic Inc. toured the program’s use in Broadmoor Middle and Broadmoor High on Friday, February 8.

  “The issues in Cleveland schools are the same as many other districts and we are working to find ways to address them,” Senator Smith said. “I am glad Baton Rouge is taking the lead in finding solutions to this (reading) problem.”  Senator Smith said she was recently introduced to the program and wanted to see firsthand how the Read 180 program improves student reading skills.  “The students seem to have a lot of confidence in their work and don’t feel like they are being treated differently,” she observed.

EBRPSS Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Elizabeth Walsh, guided the tour and explained the implementation of the program district wide. "Read 180 is just one part of many things we are doing to improve reading skills," Walsh explained. Scholastic© Read 180 was introduced in EBRPSS classrooms in 1999.  The program targets struggling readers whose reading skills are below basic level.  It addresses special needs reading among middle and high school students by using technology, print and professional development for teachers.  By examining test results, Scholastic© Read 180 teachers in EBRPSS have reported consistent improvements in their students’ reading skills.