What to Expect From Reading Horizons’ Training

Have You Ever Wondered?

• Have you ever wondered why students who struggle with reading are able to read a word one line, but when the same word appears a few lines later act like they have never seen that word before?
• Have you ever wondered what is really happening with b/d confusion, and how to effectively help?
• Have you ever wondered why some readers can get bigger, more phonetically complex words, but miss simple sight words like is or the?
• Have you ever wondered what is going on with students who have the ‘deer in headlights’ look when you give them multi-step directions?
• Have you ever wondered what is going on when your student starts to sound out a word then takes their eyes off the page and just starts guessing?
• Have you ever wondered why some students can be good readers but poor spellers?
• Have you ever wondered why your bright students seem to struggle so much with reading?

We will answer thesequestions and much, much more!

What Is TheProblem?

Teaching phonics to older students can appear somewhatcondescending, so it is important to select a program specifically designed forthem. Older students need flexibility and privacy. They usually have variouslevels of interest in reading and limited time with a desire to learn asquickly as possible. Students may have diagnosed reading disorders andundiagnosed skill gaps.

ESL students specifically struggle with the need torapidly master conversational English and the educational vocabulary necessaryto pass exit exams, the TOEFL or other post-secondary entrance examinations andjob applications. In addition, ESL students must learn how to sort out theunfamiliar sounds of the alphabet into pieces that make sense. They haveproblems perceiving and using English sounds and their corresponding lettersymbols effectively.

The System– How Is It Done?

The primary goal of phonicsinstruction -learning to recognize words rapidly and automatically - can be accomplished ina variety of ways using the following components:

• Interactive,Multimedia Computer Software: Reading Horizons offers older students the privacy andflexibility of independent work with lessons designed specifically for adultsreading below a sixth grade level.
• Direct-InstructionClassroom Materials: Complete classroom materials providehands on, multi-sensory instruction that can be used independent of thecomputer software and includes special instruction for ESOL students in everylesson.
• InteractiveSoftware Combined with Direct Instruction: Independent work on the computercombined with the periodic reinforcement of multi-sensory classroom practicesessions provides a mix that ensures success.

What is Reading Horizons?

• ReadingHorizons isa remedial reading program that incorporates teacher training,direct instruction, and computer software.
• ReadingHorizons softwarewas developed specifically for students ages 10 and above who exhibit belowaverage reading skills –particularly those reading below a sixth grade level.
• ReadingHorizons emphasizes wordattack or decodingskills, and works on transfer of skills with fluency and comprehension.
• The Reading Horizons software can be the primary vehiclefor learning when, augmented with direct instruction to internalize skills.

What to expect from Reading Horizons:

• Builds self-confidence and self-esteem in students that have never been successful readers.
• Is research-based and has been proven effective.
• Can be completed in three to six months.
• Can bring reading gains of two to five grade levels for most students.
• Takes 40 to 60 hours for students to complete. The time differential depends on how quickly the student progress through the software. Each student should run the software until mastery is achieved.
• Includes nine unique assessments, six of which are automatically administered.
• Includes a teacher-friendly Administration system that allows the teacher to monitor student progress at all times.
• Contains instruction that has been designed with needs of low-functioning students in mind. Nothing is assumed, and, in fact, non-readers can be successful with the software. More-advanced students will bypass rudimentary lessons.

What You Will BeTrained On:

• You will be explicitly trained in the Orton-Gillingham based methodology, Discover Intensive Phonics for Yourself.
• You will be trained in classroom application and content area implementation.
• You will be trained on how to use the software (if applicable).
• You will be trained on student assessment and monitoring.
• You will be trained in proven reading strategies.
• You will be given practical skills to help identify and remediate common types of reading disabilities.
• You will be given skills to help ELL learners (if applicable).
• You will participate in activities and hands on experiences to help you understand the material and make it engaging and worth your time!

Plan onleaving with a wealth of knowledge that will empower you to reach all of yourstudents and make every reader a successful reader!

If you wouldlike to familiarize yourself with the program prior to the training you canvisit our website at www.readinghorizons.com.To see an overview of the methodology go here: http://www.readinghorizons.com/tour/view.aspx?page=secondary