READ 180 is based on a blended instructional model that includes whole-group instruction and three small-group rotations, adaptive software, differentiated instruction, and independent reading.

The program has three different versions: Upper Elementary (Grades 4–5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), and High School (Grades 9–12).

The System 44 student application leads students through a predetermined path to learn each of the 44 sounds and the letters or letter combinations that create those sounds. In doing so, it also teaches students how to break down larger words into their smaller constituent parts, to memorize words that do not follow the standard rules, and to combine all this knowledge into spelling mastery and reading comprehension.