Reading Level Increased From 3rd To 8th Grade Level

Table of Contents | Davis Dyslexia Correction Methods | Experiences With Davis Methods

13 year old boy, reading level increased from 3rd to 8th grade level

Here's our story:

The school...It's is all a bit daunting don't you think, so many questions, so many ideas. I started the journey with my Albert when he was in the second grade.

He struggled in the first grade and his teacher was not very helpful. When he started the second grade, I was determined he would get help. I told the teacher immediately that he was dyslexic. She agreed but did not want to have him labeled because he was extremely bright. The school had a reading program that did not require and IEP so we put him in it. I had him removed the day Albert came home and told me the instructor said "it did not matter if he learned to read, she would get paid anyway". I work with the classroom teacher for the balance of the year, she sent home the work and I taught him.

Grade three.... I had the big fit and demanded the school do something. Albert was tested and given the label "specific learning disability". I have never been real crazy about the disability label, but it was a means to get what I was looking for....help for Albert (IEP) with legal guidelines.

During grade three and through the middle of grade four, the school taught Albert to read either by one on one instruction or in small group using a phonics-based program. By the middle of grade four Albert could barely read, his reading became much worse not better. The words became phonological sounds, don't get me wrong I believe teaching phonics is important, but to much is not good either.

Fortunately, our Mrs. Fourth grade was wonderful, because she knew I was also dyslexic she was very open to hearing and trying what I though might help. I asked that the phonics be stopped she agreed to try, Albert was told not to sound word out, instead he was to ask what they were when he was not sure. It did not take long for him to be able to read words again. And because of his superior comprehension, by the last marking period of fourth grade he was put into a fully inclusive school program with modifications.

He continue advancing through fifth grade, then in the six grade the school did the required tri-annual testing to see how Albert was progressing. Well after three years of work with the Special Education Department which included intensive phonological training, Albert tested reading out loud at the third grade level.

Finally, earlier this year I became frustrated with the school (AGAIN). This time was different...this time Albert was frustrated to the point of giving up. His teachers this year recognized his brilliance and set high expectations. The only modification he had was for spelling on hand written work. He was expected to turn in grade level work on all of his reports but the school did not provide help. Again...I took over.....

I called several Davis Facilitators. We settle on one the one that Albert seemed to like the best ( they were all VERY nice and VERY helpful) and the rest is history. At the start of the week Albert was tested reading out loud at a third grade level (same as the school test). At the end of the week he was reading a eighth grade level and he continues to improve. He says the school work seems easier, he does not need help reading tests.

My biggest regret is that I waited so long, I kept thinking the school would help him. By the way, the Special Education Department in our school district has really tried to help him. His resource teacher have all been very nice, they have tried very hard to teach him, they just do not know how to teach dyslexics. Treating dyslexia as a phonological processing disorder using a phonics-based program did not help Albert. Teaching Albert how to control the disorientation associate with dyslexia did with dramatic results.

Posted by "Albertsmom" on May 10, 2002, at [[Davis Discussion Board]