The Strive Reading Program has been developed through Yea High School’s involvement in the University of Melbourne’s Network of Schools (UMNOS). The focus of UMNOS has been improving reading comprehension outcomes for students within the network’s schools. The primary tools for this improvement are the independent reading program and explicit teaching of comprehension strategies.

The program has been labelled ‘Strive’ to highlight the ethos of Yea High School which encourages its students to strive to excel. Strive will improve student access to education, vocation and life opportunities through increased reading. Reading elevates us as individuals and citizens is the message Yea High School wants to send to its students and their families.

The program is implemented by all teachers at Yea High School led by the UMNOS Success Coordinator. English teachers run conferencing and independent reading within English classes and all teachers are involved in teaching comprehension strategies within their subject areas.

Strive: The independent reading program is designed to encourage regular reading of fiction and non-fiction texts by students both at home and in class. Students record their reading achievements in reading log books. Teachers monitor student progress through reading conferencing which involves goal setting, appropriate selection of texts and one on one teacher guidance. The program is practically implemented as follows:

Year Level	Independent reading time	Reading Conferencing	Number of Conferences	Recording
Seven	First  25 minutes of each double of English	English Teacher	Two per student per term	Reading Log Conference Templates
Eight	First  25 minutes of each double of English	English Teacher	Two per student per term	Reading Log Conference Templates
Nine	First  25 minutes of each double of Advisory	English Teacher	Two per student per term	Reading Log Conference Templates
Ten	First 25 minutes of two Advisory doubles a week.	English Teacher/Advisor	Three per student per term	Reading Log Conference Templates

All students within class must participate in independent reading at the scheduled times.

Enrich: This program will be implemented for students in year 7 and 8 and will be similar to the numeracy GRIN program. Students will be identified from testing outcomes and teacher referrals. Students will participate in the program for a semester.

The program will comprise of 25 minute mini lessons at least once a week in a small group, led by an English teacher. The program will target students who demonstrate little or no growth to try and elevate them to the high group. Parental consent will be obtained as part of the process.