Reading ability is a fundamental skill that plays a crucial role in education, as it significantly contributes to students’ academic achievement and intellectual development. This study aims to analyze the reading skills of seventh-grade students at SMP IT Robbani Indralaya, focusing on both mechanical and comprehension aspects. The research employed a descriptive quantitative method by distributing questionnaires to 19 student respondents. The questionnaire instrument was designed based on two main aspects: mechanical skills (letter recognition, linguistic elements, and slow reading speed) and comprehension skills (understanding text meaning, evaluating content, and flexible reading speed). The analysis results showed that the majority of students were in the “Good” category (63.16%), while the rest were in the “Fair” category (36.84%). There were no students in the “Very Good” or “Poor” categories. Internal factors such as motivation and reading interest, as well as external factors such as family support and school facilities, were found to influence students' reading skills. This study recommends the implementation of continuous and collaborative literacy development efforts involving students, teachers, schools, and families to improve reading skills comprehensively.
 
 

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of group counseling in improving students' social skills in schools through an analysis of 20 articles that meet the inclusion criteria. The results of the review show that group counseling is effective in developing various aspects of students' social skills, including interpersonal communication, cooperation, empathy, and confidence. Various approaches are applied in the implementation of group counseling, such as modeling techniques, role playing, assertive approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and group discussions. The program also creates a safe space for students to share experiences, gain emotional support, and learn to manage emotions and build positive social relationships. Factors that support the success of the program include counselor skills, a good program structure, and support from teachers, parents, and the school environment. Based on these findings, group counseling can be considered as one of the effective strategies to support students' social and emotional development and improve the quality of learning in schools.