Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) is a period of time given to students to read self-selected materials during their school day. This study examines the effect of participation in a SSR program on reading attitudes and reading achievement of students as measured by the Adolescent Motivation to Read Profile (AMRP) and the Northwest Evaluation Association Measure of Academic Progress (NWEA MAP or MAP). It sought to answer the following questions: 1.) What is the impact of providing 20-30 minutes of Sustained Silent Reading to students during their school day 3-5 days per week on students' attitudes towards reading as measured by the AMRP? 2.) What is the impact of a Sustained Silent Reading program on students' growth in reading as measured by the NWEA MAP assessment from the Fall to Spring Assessment? It was hypothesized that students would experience a change in reading attitude and growth in reading achievement. A group (29) of 8th grade students participated in SSR. A pre and post survey was administered to gauge their attitudes towards reading before and after the reading program. Their scores from the MAP assessments were compared to a control group (34) of students that did not participate in SSR. Ex post facto research methods were employed and quantitative data collected from the surveys, as well as from the MAP assessments. Data analysis utilized Excel and t tests were performed to compare means from AMRP and MAP results. Students' attitude towards reading did not show a significant change. Reading growth, however, was significant compared to the control group. Although students' value of reading basically remained the same SSR may have contributed to their expansion of background knowledge, gave them time to practice reading skills and strategies, and helped develop reading stamina which is necessary in reading longer or several passages in one sitting. Reading is a vital skill necessary for academic and career success in today's society. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]