Smart Start Reader gives students the guidance they need to become active readers. It builds confidence in comprehension with guided reading support. The program is successful because it structures the student’s reading experience using repetition of the before, during, and after reading process across a library of books. SSR teaches students how to read actively for enjoyment while comprehending the text. With each story, the student learns how to ask questions about the characters, the setting, and the plot. Each activity has audio and text instructions, explaining what the students are to do and the reason behind the activity. As the students complete the activities, they gain real life experience organizing information from the text and their own thoughts into graphic organizers. SSR's strategy is to teach readers how to apply these methods to an entire chapter book. While doing so, they can see how a story develops, gain real life experience interacting with the text, comprehend what they are reading, and allow the strategies to become habits that apply to all reading experiences.

SSR helps districts meet state requirements by providing robust automated assessment and reporting tools. Behind the scene, SSR analyzes the student’s activity responses and compiles the data into reports for teachers and administrators. These reports document student progress, identify the student’s strengths and weaknesses, and help plan for future lessons. SSR is a new medium in the classroom that brings interaction and excitement to the lesson while eliminating anxiety for struggling students. The individualized instruction closes ability gaps between students by allowing them to work at their independent reading level. With students working independently, the teacher can then circulate in the classroom and offer additional support to those who need it. This combination of service improves the student’s learning experience and closes the communication gap between the parents, the teacher, and the district. SSR’s use of technology motivates students and offers multi-sensory learning tools for all types of learners.