VOL. I, NO. 10

February 19, 1960

Frosh Achieve Reading Speed

Eight freshmen were able to achieve a reading score of 1,000 words or more per minute after participating in the reading clinic which is part of the curriculum at Maine West. All freshmen and juniors are required to attend this reading clinic; it is taught by Miss Marjory Johnston in room C-204. The freshmen just completed their training and the juniors are now being scheduled for the clinic.

Dave Barker, Geraldine Gray, Gary Kraft, Bob Kubala, Therese Milton, Alez Molnar, Lynn Shaffer, and Mike Weltes are the eight who proved that reading speed can be greatly increased in a short period of time. In fact, Therese attained a speed of close to 4,000 words per minute. This speed, of course, is not recommended for reading a history assignment.

"The main idea of this clinic," said Miss Johnston, "is to help students improve their reading skills. This is done through eye training, comprehension, memory training, and phonics, if needed."

A training period lasts from three to six weeks. The exact time depends on how rapidly the student advances. Each student, however, is required to take the clinic twice during the four-year period in high school. Sophomores and seniors are not required to take the clinic although they may enroll if they wish. A teacher may refer any student to the clinic at any time according to Miss Johnston.

Colleges require students to understand 75 per cent of what they read. For those going to work, employers like people to be able to read and spell well enough so they can do their work independently with little help or correction.

The three to six weeks reading clinic passes quickly as most students feel that they have improved their reading ability after completing the course. These eight freshmen have proved what outstanding results can be achieved when the opportunity is utilized to the utmost.