Book excerpt: READ 180 is a comprehensive reading intervention program designed to meet the needs of elementary to middle school students whose reading achievement is below the proficient level. The program directly addresses individual needs through differentiated instruction, adaptive and instructional software, high-interest literature, and direct instruction in reading, writing, and vocabulary skills. Stage A provides tools for young struggling readers in elementary school to develop critical literacy skills. Stage B provides middle school struggling readers with topics designed for their level of reading that hold their interest. System 44 was designed for the most challenged, older struggling readers, and helps these students understand that the English language is a finite system of 44 sounds and 26 letters that can be mastered. It uses validated assessment for screening and placement, research-based phonics instruction and highly motivating and age-appropriate adaptive technology.