The blue book (The Headway program)

The Blue book and Gold book (headway program) were a popular curriculum in the 70s and 80s. It taught phonics. By returning to past curriculum(s) that worked, we can go back to all kids learning to read. I use four books to bring kids up to high school level. The Blue and Gold books headway program, breaking the code (based on Blue and Gold book style) takes the kid to 5th grade level, then finish with Rewards by Sopris West which takes the kid to 10th grade level with speed and proficiency. Four books to move from total non-reader to proficient high school level. Not only amazing...but repeatable. Blue Book: ISBN-13: 978-0896881884 Gold Book: ISBN-13: 978-0896881891 Breaking the Code: ISBN-13: 978-0028311326 Rewards: ISBN-13: 978-1570352720 Breaking the Code and Rewards have newer editions but I am not sure if they are as good as the original. The blue and gold book are out of print...watch for $20 to $30 used copies. Rewards at sopris west has updated to a range of books but I have not tried them. These are the four books I use. One hour per day takes about 4 weeks per book: 16 weeks to proficient readers. In a Saturday moring program, you can do 4 chapters. It would take between 5 and 6 Saturdays for each book. I have taken many 12th grade (even special ed) nonreaders through these programs. It works.