Both reading well and being well-read are the reasons for Lumen's reading requirement. Being well-read means students will have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of literature. The benefit to the student is an improved vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and writing skills and increased understanding. As students read language that is well used, they learn how to use language well. Success on college tests such as the SAT and ACT is related to language skill levels. Many of our over 475 books on the reading list are also on college reading lists.

To ensure that all students read well, Freshmen students are tested for reading skills. Students scoring two grade levels or more below 9th grade are retested using an individually administered test by the special needs consultant. Those who have a reading weakness are given the opportunity to work specifically on the reading area they need to improve. In the past, students who have completed this work have gained two or more grade levels in their reading skills.

Booklists are available from the front office, library or on the web page. Students may read books on their grade level or from the classic list. After reading a book, students take a computerized ten question multiple-choice quiz. Seven out of the ten must be answered correctly to pass, with two tries per book. If a student fails to pass the test the first try, the student is to review the book and try again on the next test day. First semester book tests are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, second semester on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 7:35 am until 3:35 pm.

Test result records are included with student grades which are mailed out each quarter. To encourage students to stay on task, a book credit (sometimes called book bonus) is offered. If a student completes their reading requirement during the year only 5 books are required the following year instead of six.