Patricia K. Hodge

My first contact with the Reading Horizons was approximately five years ago, when I attended a literacy workshop at Michigan State University and had the opportunity to see the program in action. I was so intrigued with the concept of the interactive program that I encouraged my colleagues to attend the afternoon demonstration. They, in turn, were so impressed with Reading Horizons that the program was eventually purchased for use in eight of our MichiganWorks! Learning Labs. Each lab now offers Reading Horizons to our adult reading students.

Perhaps what impresses me most about (Reading Horizons) is its effect on the individual user. Penny Lewis, an adult non-reader, has had approximately 40 hours of instruction with the Reading Horizons program. She now has a sight vocabulary and is able to decode many individual words, as well as read simple sentences. After just three sessions, Mrs. Lewis remarked, "I wish I would have had this program in school. Now, I wish I had this program at home!"

When asked (which) features of Reading Horizons she liked, Penny cited:

• I can use it on my own.
• I can work at my own speed.
• It has good sound quality.
• It lets me know when I get the right answer.
• The voice is friendly and polite.
• It makes me feel good about myself.

Not only has Reading Horizons helped Mrs. Lewis learn to read, it has also given her self-confidence. She takes pride in the fact that she is reading words at home. Reading Horizons has certainly made a significant difference in this student's life. And, for me, watching Penny's progress is what makes teaching so rewarding.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell you about the positive impact Reading Horizons has made at the MichiganWorks! East Jordan Learning Lab.