Learning Resources | News

California District Expands Online Reading Intervention

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 08/28/14

California's Westside Union School District will expand the use of an online language and reading intervention after seeing success with limited use of the program in 2013.

Westside deployed Scientific Learning's Fast ForWord program for use at four schools by students receiving special education, English language learners, and other students who were struggling. "Based on [those] students' success, the K-8 district will expand the Fast ForWord program district-wide to all 12 schools this fall," according to a news release.

"Like most California districts, we're in the process of transitioning to the Common Core. We wanted to be sure we had additional support in place for students with disabilities and English language learners, so they don't get lost in the shuffle as we move to even more rigorous standards," said Marguerite Johnson, assistant superintendent of educational services for Westside USD, in a prepared statement. "What first drew us to Fast ForWord was its strong research base. Then, once we began using the program, the amount of growth we saw was pretty exciting."

Westside USD serves approximately 9,000 students at six elementary schools, two middle schools, three K-8 schools and two academies. More information is available at westside.k12.ca.us.

Visit scilearn.com for more information about Fast ForWord.