Learning Tools | News

Merit Launches Online Reading Comprehension Tool

• By David Nagel
• 04/14/11

Ed tech developer Merit Software has released a new online literacy and reading comprehension tool for students in grades 3 through 8.

Dubbed Reading Skill Builder, the software is designed to locate skill gaps in students and provide progressively more advanced materials to help them master the specific reading skills in which they're deficient at a pace with which they're comfortable. Emphasis is placed on several key areas, including vocab, sequence, recall, and inference, among others. Assessments are provided to help students advance when they're ready or receive help with difficulties when they're not.

Features include:

• Tracking of time spent on tasks, accessible by teachers and students;
• Personalized tips for students while they work;
• Explanations for both correct and incorrect answers; and
• Integrated online portfolio.

Teacher professional development resources are also available.

Reading Skill Builder is available now. The software supports multiple platforms running Safari, Internet Explorer, and Firefox browsers. Subscriptions run $29 per year, with discounts for classroom and district volume licenses. Home licenses are also available. Further details can be found here.

About the Author

David Nagel is editorial director, education for 1105 Media's Public Sector Media Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal. A 22-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.

He can be reached at dnagel@1105media.com. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at or follow him on Twitter at @THEJournalDave (K-12) or @CampusTechDave (higher education).