What does it buy? It buys the computer program, an extensive library of matching books that are considered “hi-interest, low-level”, accompanying tests for comprehension, and the site license to use it in multiple classes.
I wonder if the company gives discounts to districts that get positive news coverage. When a district I work with started the program, they gave our paper the full court press to do a story on Read 180. Another district just started the program and they are pushing for a story in the paper.
If it works, and peaks kids curiosity in learning, I'm all for it.
However, I am highly skeptical of the "Educational Community" in general, and public school ciriciculums and NEA union school administrators in particlular.
There is no other endeavor in the free world where so much money is thrown at turning out an under performing, inferior product as there is in U.S Public Education.