Local Elementary Students Read 20 Million Words in One Month

About 200 kids read more than 20 million words during the month of April through an accelerated reading program at St. Hilary School.

With 218 students in the program, that’s an average of 91,000 words per student.

“I’ve seen an enthusiasm for reading like I have never seen before,” said Mary Kay Donnelly, who’s been a fourth grade English teacher at the school for the last 14 years.

Students tracked their reading through the Renaissance Program, an accelerated reading and math tool St. Hilary began using four years ago. Besides regular reading time, students have an additional period for reading books labeled specifically to their level and interest.

After finishing a book, students take a computerized comprehension test, which also tracks the results and work counts. Donnelly said students are scoring an average of 90 percent on the tests.  

The success of the program stems from student accountability, rather than a competitive nature that could cause kids to read quickly and not retain information.

“The kids are setting their own goals and monitoring their own progress,” Donnelly said. “It’s tailor-made for each kid in the class.”

The Renaissance Program has also turned into a type of book club at the school. Students are learning each other's interests and recommending books.

“It’s like they’re incorporating it themselves; I don’t have to give them any guidance,” she said.

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