PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT – Empowering Students through Reading Intervention: Celebrating 25 Years of Read 180
Learning to read is an essential skill, required to participate in so much of the world around us—from text messages to online news. Being a fluent reader opens up many college and career opportunities later in life. But for some, the journey of learning to read can be a difficult one, where intervention is needed to help students overcome challenges that ultimately impact their overall academic performance and engagement in school.
For 25 years, Read 180 has been a trusted tool for educators, helping students overcome reading challenges and achieve academic success. This research-based intensive intervention program for Grades 3–12, combines innovative technology with engaging content and evidence-based instructional practices. With a focus on transforming striving readers into confident learners, Read 180 empowers students to enhance their reading skills while also helping them regain their confidence and belief in their abilities.
Since its launch in 1999, Read 180 has impacted countless lives by addressing the root causes of difficulties when learning to read. Validated by over 100 studies, the program has consistently delivered results, with one study showing that students gained two years worth of reading growth in just one year. In another study, Read 180 students narrowed the achievement gap by 10 percentile points, highlighting the program’s effectiveness in accelerating literacy growth and fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Supporting an MTSS approach, Read 180 integrates research around personalized best practices, adaptive technology, instructional strategies based on the science of reading, and scaffolded support for reading independently.
Read 180 incorporates the most effective RTI-based reading intervention strategies for Tier II and Tier III, supporting both core and intervention teachers. Its structured, evidence-based approach provides systematic, explicit instruction and practice in foundational literacy skills, including fluency, vocabulary expansion, and comprehension. The program also personalizes learning pathways for students based on their needs. Features like NWEA MAP Growth placement ensure that students start at the correct level, allowing for targeted intervention and maximum progress.
Spotlight on Success: Tarwo Konbloa’s Journey
One powerful example of Read 180’s impact is the story of Tarwo Konbloa. Arriving in the United States from a Côte d’Ivoire refugee camp at age 11, Konbloa faced significant challenges in adapting to a new language and education system. Introduced to Read 180 at Crestwood Middle School in Michigan, Konbloa quickly found that the program’s structured approach made learning manageable and engaging.
“Read 180 opened a door for me,” says Konbloa. “The program helped me challenge myself in reading, and I was able to apply the concepts I was learning to other subjects.”
With the support of dedicated teachers and Read 180, Konbloa’s academic confidence grew. After two years in the program, he no longer required additional intervention and excelled in high school and college. Today, he inspires his own students as a teacher and coach, often reflecting on how Read 180 laid the foundation for his success.
Flexible Solutions for Every Classroom
Read 180 offers tailored solutions for various classroom settings:
- Core Classrooms: The Read 180 Flex model offers a student-centered adaptive application that enhances reading comprehension and builds knowledge from phonics to fluency, all while delivering the same proven results.
- Intervention Classrooms: For intensive intervention classrooms, Read 180 offers a dedicated blended model that combines teacher-led instruction with student-centered adaptive application and practice.
Award-Winning Excellence
Over the years, Read 180 has garnered numerous accolades, including:
- Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence: Best for Back to School 2023
- 2023 SIIA CODiE Winner: Best Suite of Connected/Integrated Solutions
- 2024 EdTech Cool Tool Winner: Literacy/Reading Solution
- Endorsements from the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) and the National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII) for over 19 years.
These recognitions underscore Read 180’s commitment to innovation and excellence in reading intervention.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Legacy
As Read 180 celebrates its 25th anniversary, its mission remains as vital as ever. By equipping educators with powerful tools and supporting students in reaching grade-level proficiency, the program continues to shape brighter futures. Tarwo Konbloa’s journey is just one of many stories that highlight the transformative power of Read 180 and the importance of effective reading intervention.
Discover Read 180 for Your School
Join the thousands of educators who trust Read 180 to accelerate student growth and foster a love of reading. Learn more about HMH’s Read 180 reading intervention program.
