Innovative Reading Program Launches as a Web-Based Application

The Hill Reading Achievement Program, or HillRAP, is an individualized, small-group reading intervention for students with persistent reading difficulties. Developed by Hill Learning Center for use in its school for students with learning differences and attention challenges, HillRAP is delivered by trained teachers and supported by custom technology and research-based, internationally-accredited professional development.

HillRAP guides teachers through direct, explicit, mastery-based instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The program’s sequence and emphasis on multi-sensory instruction is influenced by Orton-Gillingham. HillRAP is intended for students with persistent reading difficulties, including those with learning disabilities and those who have failed or are at risk for failure in reading, including English language learners. It is typically provided as a Tier 3 or an Exceptional Children’s intervention and can be delivered in-person or remotely in 45-minute blocks, 4-5 days per week, with a 4:1 student to teacher ratio. Independent research in multiple public schools has demonstrated positive impacts on students’ reading skills, with students receiving HillRAP improving at faster rates than “average” students.

During the pandemic, Hill made significant investments in HillRAP to make it an even more accessible, responsive, efficient, and effective instructional tool and professional development experience for teachers. Most notably, HillRAP is now supported by a web-based instructional app with progressive technology that works on any device, removing previous reliance on iPads as the required device for all teachers and students.

All app features, training, and curricular enhancements are aligned with science of reading research and have been informed, tested, and refined with input from actual HillRAP users, honoring Hill’s commitment to bridging research and practice in support of teachers and students. Additionally, Hill’s fully virtual, affordable professional learning model includes new modules on Language Diversity and Planning for Instruction, interactive training exercises, and a plethora of digital and printable resources.

NEW HILLRAP APP CONTENT AND FEATURES

• Works on any device – Chromebooks, iPads, laptops, Android tablets
• Spelling component available to all users
• Updated decodable texts with additional culturally relevant stories
• Highlighting feature available in Comprehension texts
• New Fluency Rubric based on Rasinski’s Multi-Dimensional Rubric supports direct 1:1 instruction and specific feedback for students

NEW TRAINING AND TEACHER SUPPORT FEATURES

• Spelling training integrated at no additional fee, including a free tutorial for all subscribers
• Two new training modules: Language Diversity and Planning for Instruction
• Updated videos and clearer directions and more extensive guidance for each component
• 6 new interactive training exercises in online modules
• Enhanced digital, printable Teacher Manual and numerous printable explicit teaching routines and instructional resources free for ALL subscribers

There’s truly never been a better time to get started with HillRAP! The web-based app works for educators implementing in diverse settings, including the ability to seamlessly transition to remote instruction without any interruption.