It's not a new slogan, but few can argue with the literacy organization's name and tagline that "reading is fundamental." Without good reading skills, very little learning will happen. And without a love of reading, a whole world of imagination and ideas is closed off.

It is a recognition of the importance of developing good reading skills in the early grades that helped launch a new program at Slippery Rock Elementary School to help young students read.

The comprehensive reading program does several things that are likely to increase its effectiveness. First, it devotes extra reading time for students every day. Reading, like any skill, takes regular effort, time and practice to develop.

The program also creates small groups of students, typically 10 or fewer, that are based on the students' reading abilities. The small-group setting is more likely to put children at ease at reading out loud. The intimacy and comfort of the small group is more nurturing and allows the students to avoid inhibitions often found in larger classroom settings.

Another noteworthy part of the Slippery Rock reading program is the "all hands on deck" approach in which all of the school's teachers and staff members get involved. Seeing all the different adults in the school taking part in the reading program sends a message to the children that this is important — and these adults really care.

And having more than just reading specialists involved might even give those nonspecialists the special gift of lighting the spark of a love of reading in young children.

The creative reading program at Slippery Rock is not simply a reworking of the regular language arts program. That means that students still spend the same two hours a week on language arts as usual. The new reading program is over and above the normal part of the curriculum devoted to language and reading.

Another interesting feature is that since all children are involved and small reading groups form throughout the school, there is no stigma attached to a few students going to a special class for remedial work.

The comprehensive and creative approach at Slippery Rock Elementary deserves praise and support across the school district. It's already proving effective at elevating students' reading skills.

As support for the program grows within Slippery Rock, there also is interest from outside the school district. An earlier regional Title I conference found teachers from other districts interested in what is happening at Slippery Rock Elementary when it comes to improving reading skills.

The need for the creative structure and extra effort on reading was identified about five years ago when standardized tests revealed that students at Slippery Rock Elementary were scoring below their peers at other schools in the district, even though they were meeting state minimum standards.

To the district's credit, the discrepancy within the district prompted the creation and development of the new program, which began with first-graders and then expanded to other grades.

The extra half-hour of focused reading work every day is sure to pay benefits. And starting with children in the earliest grades gives the program the best chance of success —and also pays the greatest dividends in terms of long-term benefits.

By helping all students perform better throughout their school careers and perhaps creating a few lifelong readers, the reading program at SlipperyRock Elementary deserves support — and praise to all involved.