ADVANCED READERS USE COMPUTERS

JACKSON -- For Computer Age kids, few things are more fun than sitting down to an interesting program.

St. Paul Lutheran School used children's love for computers and rewards to promote reading last year, and received a $518 grant for the needed software.

The Advanced Reading Program is a series of disks that tests children's comprehension of books.

Alan Lipke, principal at St. Paul, said his students go to the library and check out a book the normal way. After completing the book, they check out the appropriate computer disk to take a test. There are 10-20 questions on each test to check a student's comprehension.

For each test passed, the student accumulates points. The points translate into rewards like pencil sets, fast food, sodas or gift certificates.

A computer print-out tells teachers how many points their students have accumulated and the grade level at which they are reading.

Lipke said he appreciated receiving YELL funds for the program.

"I'm thrilled with YELL," he said. "We also receive Newspapers In Education newspapers, which are also financed through YELL. These papers help my social studies class keep up with current events."

Lipke said he will apply for another grant this year, using it to buy more computer disks.