LEXINGTON - Wearing glasses to read is not uncommon, but some Lexington students are using infrared goggles.

The goggles chart eye movements, which may help diagnose reading problems.

"Research tells us that skill in reading is the most important predictor for student success or failure," said Lexington School District Superintendent Brent McArdle. "Our students have a variety of learning styles, and this program gives us another approach to use with students who have not been successful and also gives us another method to re-enforce reading skills to proficient readers."

Computer instructor Jan Heuer said Lexington was approached last year by PrimeTime CSI, the program's developer, to become a showcase school. The software and a trial online version costs between $10,000 to $16,000, but Lexington received it, equipment and technical support in exchange for testing the program.

"They chose us because we have pioneered several reading programs over the years, such as Writing to Read, Sequoyah, and OpenBook to Literacy at the elementary school," said Heuer. "We have not really begun to see the kinds of results that we hope to achieve in the future, but we have a good start and some students have shown spectacular results. It is something that really depends on how much a student sees value in what they are trying to do and having the desire to improve."

The program consists of a series of short, grade-level stories from first grade through high school. The student takes a pre-test to determine the starting level according to fluency, speed, vocabulary and comprehension.

"They do eye exercises, read a story, answer questions, and do some vocabulary exercises on the computer each day for about 45 minutes at least three times a week," said Heuer. "The computer keeps detailed records, including timing each reading, counting number of words read, and detailed comprehension scores. To see results, they recommend participation in the program for at least six to nine weeks."

The program got off to a rocky start because of computer issues and software problems. Despite the initial setbacks, students were invited to Springfield for a technology showcase at the state Capitol.

"It was quite a hit, especially with (Republican state) Rep. Keith Sommer, whose wife is a part of the education profession," said Heuer. "He was impressed with our student presenters and later made a trip to our school to follow up on the program."

Heuer hopes to make the course a priority.

"It takes a big commitment because it uses so much of our time in the computer lab," said Heuer. "We already have a lot going on in our computer labs, which often got in the way of 'trying out' Reading Plus. To see the huge improvements that are expected, I think it needs to be a focused part of the reading program and not just 'something extra to try' as we've approached it in the past."