A tenth-grade student at Penn-Trafford High School suffering from an attention problem had a hard time getting good grades and understanding the classroom lectures of teachers.

Fast-forward three weeks, and the student found it easier to concentrate and found that good grades weren't so difficult. And Penn-Trafford staff and students credit the Fast ForWord reading program.

The program helps students with learning problems by targeting parts of the brain that normally aren't stimulated, said Peggy DiNinno the assistant to the superintendent.

Based on research used to treat brain damage, the Scientific Learning computer program stimulates language skill development by focus-sing on speech sound. The sound in the program is high pitched to help students focus.

Students were chosen for the program based on eighth-grade reading scores, teacher recommendations or if the student expressed interest in the program.

"I have students in my classes with reading levels ranging from a fourth-grade level to twelfth grade," said Maureen Harris, who teaches six Fast ForWord classes a day.

Students without learning problems can take the class, as well. It helps them to be more organized and focused on the SATs, said DiNinno.

The program's name isn't merely a clever play on words. It's an accurate description of the rapid pace for improvement. Students are expected to make a 3-percent gain in the program each day.

"These kids are doing so well," Harris said. "They're making 10-percent and 22-percent gains in one day. It's way beyond what we expected."

When Harris' students were told about the program, many thought it would be stupid. Now many of the students have found confidence and improvement through game usage.

Fast ForWord students shared their thoughts on the program by writing about how it has affected their lives. While some complained of a high-pitched beeping it employs, almost all said the program had helped.

"I can pronounce bigger words better now," wrote one junior. "When people talk to me, I can actually understand what they're saying."

Many students noted they could concentrate better while reading and that they have seen grade improvements.

Others have seen it as well.

"I have had teachers tell me that the students they have in the Fast ForWord program are more attentive and have an easier time focusing on the lesson," Harris said.

"The difference between these and other students is like the difference between high-speed Internet and dial-up access. Both work -- it just takes longer with dial-up," she said.

Every day, the students come into the classroom and immediately begin the program.

"When they first come in, they're wound up and talkative, but as soon as they start the program, they become completely focused," Harris said.

Since the beginning of the program, Harris has seen more students become interested in reading.

"I don't have any required reading yet, but every day at the end of class I suggest books that I think the students would enjoy," Harris said.

Many of the books in Harris's collection have a waiting list. One of her most sought-after books is "Looking for Alaska" by John Green.

The Fast ForWord program enables Harris to monitor each student's progress on a computer. This helps her to target problem areas so she can intervene before the students fall behind.

The California headquarters of Scientific Learning monitors student progress and sends suggestions to the teachers on how to help the students improve.

Harris is impressed by the changes in her students.

"The biggest improvement I've seen so far has been in their attitude," she said. "They have better self esteem and they don't mind coming to school."

After participating in the Fast ForWord program, students like the tenth-grader dealing with an attention problem have an easier time focusing in class and are given the opportunity to move forward in their academic career.