Since 1994, the Department of Education has witnessed a dramatic shift in the increase in the number of children who require a special needs education. The NCLB (No Child Left Behind) requirements pertain to all students, including Special Education students. Special Education students must also make progress toward on-grade level performance and they too must meet the rigors of high stakes testing. As Special Education evolves, children are receiving individualized instruction to overcome their learning difficulties and return to general education.
In today’s schools, principals, educators, parents, and teachers are better equipped to assist children who have a learning disability. Now the goal is to intervene before the child falls behind. Response to Intervention (RTI) is gaining popularity as a program model. RTI emphasizes more effective instruction to assist students who experience any learning difficulties and intervene before they are identified as learning disabled.
Although there is no standardized method of implementing RTIs for students, the objective is to implement scientifically-based educational practices that support learning and improve academic achievement, functional outcomes, and educational results for all students. Special Education is no longer a destination for students who have difficulty learning, it is a launching pad for children who need extra help, tutoring, or coaching.
MindPlay offers educators working with Special Education students a scientifically based approach to teach Special Education students to read. MindPlay offers an individualized three-fold solution which includes Reading Analysis and Prescription System (RAPS). This diagnostic system will identify specific gaps in a student’s reading skills and develop an individualized learning plan for each student. My Reading Coach (MRC) directly and systematically instructs the student to fill these gaps with unending patience and support required for Special Education students. Fluent Reading Trainer (FLRT) will help students enjoy reading by dramatically improving their reading rate once basic reading skills are achieved.
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“Eight of the 40 students currently on My Reading Coach are Special Ed students. They are improving their reading skills too. It may take them a little longer, but the progress is there."
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Sylvia Rendon, Reading Specialist, Special Ed., Bowie Elementary, Harlingen, Texas
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