Excerpted from Glenn McGee, Lessons from the Golden Spike High Poverty High Performing Schools, 2002:

"Every school in the sample focused on literacy. Some had successful Reading Recovery programs, the majority used Four Block, and Accelerated Reader was prevalent in several of the schools. In Anna they use all three! Though the principal splits his time between two schools, when he leaves Davie Elementary to travel across town, he is assured that reading is happening. Reading Recovery has enabled struggling readers to become grade level readers and maintain these skills throughout their schooling. Students previously “eligible” for retention or special education now meet state standards. Four Block Reading has dramatically improved both reading and writing by guaranteeing that writing did not “fall off the back” if time ran out. Every day students spend in the entire morning in guided reading, self-directed reading, working with words and writing. The Accelerated Reader program has succeeded in promoting independent reading. Students choose from a variety of books geared to their level. After reading them and passing a short comprehension test, they receive points towards awards and recognition. It is motivational, fun, and exciting for children. It also works as the last three years an average of 78.3% of the students met state standards.”