What is Dyslexia?
This video is a great introduction to dyslexia for those who may not understand. It was featured at an annual conference of the International Dyslexia Association.
Embracing Dyslexia Documentary available online
I recently rediscovered this documentary, Embracing Dyslexia. It’s worth watching and very informative for anyone who doesn’t know much about dyslexia.
REAP Concert Fundraiser Sat., Nov. 4, 2017 @ Studio No. 7
The Essential Tribute Concert
Benefiting REAP: Reading Is Essential For All People
Join us for an adult evening of music and fun on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017.
See how you made a difference in 2016
Thank you to everyone who has donated money, time and support to REAP in 2016. With your help, we’ve provided training for 30 teachers in Atlanta Public Schools, 30 teachers in Fulton County Schools, and all the certified teachers at APS Burgess-Peterson Elementary.
We also provided 20 struggling readers with a week-long intensive reading camp in Decatur while REAP-trained teachers practiced their skills.
This slideshow gives you a glimpse at what the training is like, and shows how the teachers work with students to build crucial reading skills.
Kay W. Cantrell Foundation = Teacher Training Year Two
REAP is truly grateful for the very generous donation of $20,000 from the Kay W. Cantrell Foundation. The funds are dedicated to year two of REAP’s work with K-5 teachers and students at Burgess-Peterson Academy. REAP is impacting over 380 students at Burgess-Peterson each year.
REAP is training an entire school!
In July of 2016, REAP kicked off a partnership with Burgess-Peterson Academy in the Atlanta Public School system. This is REAP’s first school-wide training program.
All certified Burgess teachers will attend a year-long Orton-Gillingham training program. The OG program will include coursework, modeling, grade-level planning, practical application workshops and observation days.
As part of the training, Burgess teachers and administrators will observe REAP Literacy Leaders as they model whole-group OG lesson in each grade. After modeling the lessons, the REAP Literacy Leader meets with each grade level to review and answer teacher questions. Together they discuss next lessons and learn how to integrate the language arts standards into their OG lessons.
Five Steps to help a struggling reader
Dr. Lorna Kaufman has written a book called Smart Kid, Can’t Read: Five Steps Any Parent Can Take to Get Help. Dr. Kaufman is both a reading expert and a developmental psychologist. She has served as president of the Massachusetts Branch of the International Dyslexia Association.
Her most important advice: “Get a comprehensive, diagnostic evaluation from an independent specialist–someone who will make recommendations based on your child’s individual needs. You must have an understanding of your child’s cognitive and academic strengths and weaknesses.”
Photo by Jonathan Phillips
Sage Powell steers a squid down Madison Ave. in Decatur during the 4th annual Madison Ave. Soap Box Derby on Saturday, September 27, 2014.
Soapbox Derby to benefit REAP Oct. 1, 2016
The Decatur Minute reports that the 6th annual Madison Avenue Soapbox Derby hits the street on Saturday, Oct. 1 in Decatur. This year REAP has been selected to receive 100% of the proceeds raised by the Derby. The funds will support REAP’s efforts to improve reading proficiency in Georgia students by training public school teachers.
REAP has grown quickly since its initial training of 12 teachers in 2013. Since then REAP has trained more than 250 public school teachers to help students become more successful readers. Like REAP, the The Derby has also grown quickly, from 20 drivers in 2011 to 100 drivers in 2015.
This is a BIG event and they will need help from friends of REAP. Stay tuned for ways to help REAP support the Derby!
Register for the race: www.madisonavesoapboxderby.org
Read the article by Renae in the Decatur Minute
Photo by Jonathan Phillips
Texas school district sets example for serving dyslexic students
Texas school districts are setting an example for public schools. They have increased funding, services and support for public school students with dyslexia. Schools are hiring dyslexia teachers and diagnosticians, including those who can identify Spanish-speaking students with dyslexia. Some students receive three or four 45-minute sessions each week with dyslexia specialists.
The Star-Telegram reports, “Under new Superintendent Kent Scribner, the Fort Worth district has made reading a top priority and views better identifying students with dyslexia as part of addressing a larger problem.”
“Scribner has said that only 30 percent of Fort Worth’s third-graders are reading at grade level and that his goal is to increase that number to 100 percent by 2025.”
Texas is a leader in dyslexia awareness with laws that require schools to identify and treat students with dyslexia. The state crafted The Dyslexia Handbook that outlines procedures for identifying students and providing dyslexia-related services.
Read the article by Diane Smith here: http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/education/article96805687.html
City Schools of Decatur working to address dyslexia
The City Schools of Decatur (aka CSD) recently invited parents and teachers to speak about their experiences with dyslexia in Decatur schools. With an overflow crowd of more than 100, the school board and superintendent heard from more than 30 parents whose kids have struggled with reading, and they heard from a few students and teachers as well. Many parents talked about having to hire private tutors or send their kids to special schools. When describing how their kids finally learned to read, parents mentioned the term “Orton-Gillingham” many, many times.
