Governor Dave Heineman says he has been impressed with the reading programs in the Scottsbluff and Gering school districts have implemented to improve the proficiency of their elementary students. After viewing Gering's "Direct Instruction" program earlier this year, Heineman Wednesday observed teachers at Westmoor elementary as they used the "Mondo" reading program.

Heineman says reading is the base from which students can excel in all areas, and he says the results Gering and Scottsbluff are getting indicate the two districts understand that.

Scottsbluff Schools Curriculum Director Sandy Porter says "Mondo", which was introduced last year, has improved student reading scores while improving structure and evaluations teachers can use to measure progress.

Heineman says successful programs like the ones in Scottsbluff and Gering can be used as models for districts that have gaps in reading proficiency as he challenged the unsuccessful districts to incorporate what has worked elsewhere.