The students used a computer program called Reading Counts. The students read a book and then took a test about the book on the computer. If the student passed with 80% or more correct, the computer program would show how many words were in the book. The students could add the word amount to their tally if they passed the test.

"We always have a focus on reading," said Karen Boettcher, principal at Colvin. "Even the students who didn't receive a bike or a medal, they were still reading and developing their skills."

Boettcher shared a story about a fifth-grade student who received a bike. When she arrived at Colvin as a second-grade student, she didn't speak any English. The principal was thrilled to see that a few years later, she was reading nearly 2 million words for the program. Another student who was awarded a bike was living in a shelter and one of the teacher brought him to school each day.

"We have many students that face similar situations," Boettcher said. "We believe in kids here at Colvin."  

The bikes were donated by Boeing and Wal-Mart as an incentive to get the students to read.