A Step Toward Better Reading

The new 3.0 version will offer more teacher-requested features, including 260 new comprehension tests, revamped display modes, and new games that teachers can use to assess students' reading speed and comprehension.

Among its goals, AceReader aims to break bad reading habits, such as re-reading and subvocalization. The latter is the habit of pronouncing words in your mind as you read. The software also aims to help kids expand the amount of visual information they take in as their eyes sweep across the written page.

Teachers have remarked that the software reminds them of a modern-day software version of those old mechanical tachistoscope machines. "It is also key to note that our program is very customizable," says Bernie Marasco, StepWare's owner. "Teachers can incorporate their own tests, drills, and text into the program."

Deanna Fleck, a reading specialist at Santa Fe High School in Edmond, OK, has had students more than double their reading speed and some improved their ACT reading scores. "Even the [students] who don't work at it that hard see some progress," says Fleck. Prices start at $24.95. There's a network version as well. Demos can be downloaded from www.acereader.com.