A thematic approach where all readings in each chapter center on the same theme and an emphasis on basic reading skills and higher level, critical reading skills help students develop schema while improving their reading skills. A unique system to teach the reading process called PRO (P-repare to Read, R-ead Actively and Reflect, and O-rganize to learn), a thematic approach, and a new skill introduced in each chapter. Reading skills at (approximately) the 6th-9th grade levels.