"Comprehension Upgrade has helped me understand my reading assignments!"  Will Bennett, age 12, son of Sue Bennett, Autism Coach  proprietor.

Comprehension Upgrade is an innovative on-line course that typically improves reading comprehension by 1 to 2+ grade levels after 20 hours of instruction. The course teaches students how to read and understand textbooks, literature, and functional text. The reading starts at 5th grade in Level 1 and gradually progresses to 9th grade reading at Level 50.  Students learn to analyze what they read through story maps, organizers, K-W-L charts, and flow charts. Students also develop critical thinking skills and expand their vocabulary.  

The music component makes it highly motivating for high functioning autistic children who frequently love and learn better with music.  The course features a research-based sequence of lessons designed to help students with learning difficulties or dyslexia, as well as English learners.  This program works well with all children, including urban children and children with learning disabilities and it is being implemented this summer by many school districts around the country.  

Students use web-connected computers to complete enjoyable self-paced lessons featuring pop music, video, and games. In just 3 to 8 weeks of 30 to 60-minute sessions, students complete 50 research-based lessons and receive a certificate. Reading Upgrade and Comprehension Upgrade can be combined to make an effective 40-hour, one semester reading intervention.

Should I get Reading Upgrade or Comprehension Upgrade?

If your child is reading at grade level 4 or below, pauses frequently when reading out loud, has trouble sounding out unfamiliar words, or who reads very slowly, then we recommend your child first take the  Reading Upgrade companion course. This course teaches the fundamentals of reading including phonics, decoding words, reading sentences, and understanding simple passages. Once your child has completed the Reading Upgrade course and becomes comfortable with reading, he or she can move on to Comprehension Upgrade.   

If your child already reads at a fifth grade level or above, does not pause or stumble when reading, and reads at a normal speed, he or she can start directly on the Comprehension Upgrade course. This course focuses on helping your students understand 5th to 9th grade level reading at a higher level. Your child will learn to read and understand textbook, literature, and functional text, build vocabulary, and learn critical thinking skills.

How Do I Use Comprehension Upgrade?

An on-line course you access from the internet, you can log on from any computer anywhere in the United States with a reasonably fast internet connection.  Broad-band or high speed connections would be best, but even my telephone modem connection works well.  You have a one-year subscription to this program.  Children can repeat lessons or the full course as many times as necessary during this period. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do the lessons and the course take?  How often should the student use the course?
A: In just 3 to 8 weeks of 30 to 60-minute sessions, the child can complete 50 lessons.  Upon completion, the child receives a certificate with his or her name.  To progress, the child should use this program at least 4 times a week, without being away from the program for long periods of time.  Children will typically  show significant improvement only if the course is used frequently and consistently.