Info on PACE

I am a parent of a child who is nearing the end of a 15 week PACE program.

Let me say, I was at my wit’s end when we started. He is 12 years old. His writing was nearly unreadable and filled with spelling and grammar errors. It was taking 4 hours for him to complete a math assignment. He was barely reading—and certainly not for pleasure. He definitely had a learning problem, but no one could diagnose exactly what the deficits were!! (frustrating for ALL parties involved. Worst of all, his dreams for his life were progressively getting smaller. He wasn’t striving for the stars anymore—more like just hoping to get by. This still makes me cry.

We were fortunate to find PACE—but best of all our PACE provider has years of experience with kids who were ld or struggling with learning. She doesn’t hesitate to work with him on non-PACE stuff as well. We are also doing the Master the Code program—the add on reading program from PACE. Our provider also is trained in phonographix and lindamood-bell methods. I do think it is important to find a provider who is knowledgeable across the board in learning differences.

I cannot begin tell you what PACE has done for our child. He is writing ‘for the fun of it.’ His writing is nearly up to grade level. He rarely gets below a “b” on a spelling test these days. If it takes him longer than 45 mintues to do a math assignment, it’s because he’s dawdling—not because he just isn’t processing at a good speed. His music reading has improved 1000% and was obvious to his music teacher after only about 4 weeks of PACE. I caught him reading Calvin and Hobbes the other night at 10:30pm and just CRACKING up. A few months ago, he wouldn’t have gotten the jokes. I don’t always understand why PACE works, but given the results we’ve seen, I’m not complaining. My son has always treated PACE like a series of interesting games—it hasn’t bored him—it’s been more like a good challenge. This has helped dramatically in his attitude. HE definitely sees the changes in his ability.

I’m not sure if this is what you are looking for—I do know PACE has been worth it for us.

HTH
Elizabeth

This is exactly the kind of thing I want to hear. I hope we can experience the same sorts of results your son has. God knows we both need to! :o) Thanks for sharing.
Annette

This is great news!

Annette please let us know how your son does. It is one program I am considering.

Hi Elizabeth,
My name is Lillian and I am new to the message board. I know that it has been a while since you responded with your message, but I had some questions about the PACE program. Are you going to use another program when your son completes the PACE program? Will you continue to go to your provider for the supplemental Lindamood-Bell or will you continue with it at all? Is phonographix a multisensory, systematic reading program? Your provider sounds awesome! You wouldn’t happen to be close to Nashville, TN by any chance, huh? (smile) I just pray that I am able to find a provider who is licensed
in the Lindamood-Bell learning processes and who is also trained/licensed in other programs to address my son’s issues. In the past, I have found speech and Language pathologists who were trained (not licensed) in Lindamood-Bell. I, very well, may have to look for this type of set-up when we relocate to Nashville.

I am so happy for you and your son’s successes with the PACE program. I was wondering how effective it was, but now because of you sharing you and your son’s experiences I am definitely going to do PACE before I spend $9,480.00 to take my son to a licensed Lindamood-Bell site for 6 weeks. Thanks so much for you input. You will never know how much you have helped me and my son.

Lillian

Hi!

Actually, my son did both PACE and that company’s reading program called Master the Code. At this point, after finishing both programs, he does not need another reading program. His scores, and my experience tell me he is reading at above what would be considered grade level.

Sorry, I’m not anywhere near Nashville!! Cannot help you out there. I would interview any provider VERY carefully. We were very fortunate to have the one we did.

You can read about Phono-graphix at www.readamerica.net. It is also discussed somewhat frequently on these boards. I am currently working on completing a certification in PG since they have a convenient online training program. I also see REAL results with it. I have read a lot of Lindamood-Bell but just have never managed to find training close enough and at a convenient time. If there is one thing my experience with my son has taught me, there are many many desperate parents out there, and the schools seem unable or unwilling to help a lot of them with their kids.

HTH
Elizabeth

My 7 year old daughter is going to do FFW beginning Monday. Her provider suggested she might need to do PACE sometime in the future. Can it be done in the home? How much does it cost? If it’s as much as FFW, I will have to wait until I can come up with that kind of money again.

I have heard Lindamood-Bell mentioned often. I have also seen several references to the astronomical cost. How can people afford to pay over $9,000 for this? Or am I the only one who doesn’t have that kind of income? :) Is it somehow covered by insurance?

In reference to the multi-trained and licensed provider, we’ve eliminated Nashville as a location. Exactly where are you? (or the provider?) She does sound terrific.

Sherri

Sherri,
I am there with you. I know I am late, but… I had to share. My son will be doing fastforword this summer. I will follow up with pace in the fall ‘03. I will also work with him with spire materials or PG. I don’t know that much about spire materials I am still researching it. I think we are on the right track. Just hang in there.

Oh! by the way I can’t afford over $9,000.00 for a program either. What’s more, even if I did have it I don’t know if I would pay it, because I can’t help, but question the sincerity and commitment of these people who come up with these programs. I mean, do they really want to help the masses of parents and children who desperately need these services. I may be wrong, Sherri, but at that price-I think not. We’ll be fine. Take care.

Lillian