Fremont Public Schools Expands Computer-Based Reading Programs

Fremont Public Schools in Michigan is expanding its implementation of a computer-based reading program after seeing positive results in its middle school.

In 2012, the state of Michigan labeled Fremont Middle School as a "Focus" school, meaning it had one of the largest achievement gaps between its top 30 percent of students and its bottom 30 percent. After receiving that designation, the school began looking for reading programs that could help all of its students and ended up selecting the Fast ForWord reading remediation program and the Reading Assistant digital reading tutor from Scientific Learning. Two years later, in 2014, the school received a new designation as a "Reward" school, meaning it had made significant gains in student achievement.

"Our middle school earned the 'Reward' school designation because of the large improvements in reading and math by our Title 1 and special education students," said Ken Haggart, superintendent of Fremont Public Schools, in a prepared statement. "Our students have come a long way and we give a lot of credit to the Scientific Learning programs for that."

This fall, the district is expanding its implementation of Fast ForWord and Reading Assistant to Pathfinder Elementary, Fremont High School and Quest Alternative High School. "Our goals are to bring students up to grade level and give them the opportunity to achieve success," said Haggart.

Another Michigan school, Dudley STEM School in Battle Creek was designated as a "Priority" school in 2014, meaning it was ranked in the bottom five percent of schools in the state. In an effort to improve student achievement, the school is implementing Fast ForWord for all of its students this fall, along with other research-based interventions.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as companies adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers determined that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • blue AI cloud connected to circuit lines, a server stack, and a shield with a padlock icon

    Report: AI Security Controls Lag Behind Adoption of AI Cloud Services

    According to a recent report from cybersecurity firm Wiz, nearly nine out of 10 organizations are already using AI services in the cloud — but fewer than one in seven have implemented AI-specific security controls.

  • lightbulb

    Call for Speakers Now Open for Tech Tactics in Education: Overcoming Roadblocks to Innovation

    The annual virtual conference from the producers of Campus Technology and THE Journal will return on Sept. 25, 2025, with a focus on emerging trends in cybersecurity, data privacy, AI implementation, IT leadership, building resilience, and more.