Read Right has provided an avenue for Boise students from diverse backgrounds to become successful readers when other methods have failed.

"The Boise School District has remained committed to quality implementation since it first began using our methods nearly 15 years ago," said Read Right Founder Dee Tadlock, Ph.D., in announcing the award. "That consistency is an important achievement for any school system, especially one as large as Boise."

Boise's Read Right program was originally funded through a grant from the J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation. Written by Boise School District staff member Dr. Don Coberly, now Superintendent of the Boise School District, the Supplemental Reading Project grant brought the program to a single school: Hillside Junior High.  

At Hillside, Read Right's small-group tutoring methods were found to be effective at a task frequently considered difficult in education - significantly improving the reading ability of struggling readers older than age 9. As a result, during the summer of 2001, the project was expanded to include a summer program. By 2003, Read Right was introduced into four elementary schools. Currently, the Read Right program is offered in nine Boise elementary schools and three junior high schools.

Boise School District's Read Right team includes a staff of 30 full and part-time staff members. The number includes one full-time and one part-time trainer, who assure continuing quality implementation and train replacement tutors. On any given day, it is estimated that 375 Boise students are being tutored through the Read Right program. The work continues during the summer with about 175 students.                                                                            

Participation in the Read Right program requires time, commitment, and belief in the methodology by both the tutors and students. For nearly 15 years, Boise School District has demonstrated continuing commitment to ongoing professional development and on-site training provided through Read Right's national re-certification process.  

From Boise School District's Wendy Hettinga, District Trainer,  and Dr. Ruth Calnon, Title I Consultant:

"Principals, parents, teachers, and tutors often see the Read Right program help turn around students who hated to read, who lacked motivation, and who struggled academically. Students develop confidence, which leads to increased determination and a will to succeed. However, it is not only the students who reap the rewards of the Read Right program. As one of our tutors said, 'These students inspire me to be a better tutor so I can help even more students be successful.' Another tutor shared how deeply she was moved by seeing a student who struggled with reading in the classroom become an excellent reader through Read Right tutoring. She said, 'He had discovered the sweet taste of success and now it was difficult to get him to stop reading...he read aloud even when no one was listening'."

"Watching these student's abilities and confidence grow as they become excellent readers is a pleasure and a privilege. When a child goes from being quiet and reserved to excited and engaged, I know Read Right is changing lives," said Hettinga."

The greatest success stories come from the students themselves. The following statements are from Boise School District students:

• "I've never read like this before!"
• "I stopped seeing words when I read, and started seeing pictures in my head."

And, from students that have graduated from the program and returned to express their appreciation:

• "Look....I'm reading a book of my own for the first time."
• "I'm reading the best book! ....can I tell you about it?" 

Elementary schools where Read Right Programs are located in Boise School District include: Grace Jordan, Hawthorne, Horizon, Jefferson, Koelsch, Morley Nelson, Mountain View, Owyhee, William Howard Taft. Junior high schools include: East, Hillside, and South.

For more information about Boise School District's Read Right Program, contact Harriet Crist at harriet.crist@boiseschools.org, (208) 854-4169. Learn more about Boise School District by clicking here. For more information about Read Right, contact Rhonda Stone at rhondas@readright.com, 360-427-9440, or learn more by clicking here.