We are starting the 11th week of Read Right with our 16 year old son. He started his twice weekly phone tutoring lessons on July 1. At that time Read Right started him at a 3rd grade independent level and a 4-5th grade instructional level. This level was determined by a pretest. He worked with his phone tutor and audio tapes to read selections to an “excellent” level. After 10 lessons (5 weeks) he moved up to the 6-7 grade level for instruction and used the 4th-5th materials for independent reading. Now on Sept. 17 after another 5 weeks (10 lessons plus daily independent practice) he has moved up to the next and final level (8th – adult). He is reading to me 4 page stories out of his independent level materials with smoothness and ease. He likes the lessons and wants to continue them.
The reading materials are a variety of books both fiction and nonfiction. Several readability measures have been done on each book and selections within a book may be designated as different levels.
Our son is reading much greater length independently. He is reading more things spontaneously, such as, road signs or things on TV. We are all encouraged by his progress, but also know that keeping these reading levels will depend on continued practice. He has definite strengths in intelligence, vocabulary and verbal skills. He had Fast forWord 1 and 2, LiPS and Phonographix. It seems that Read Right in only 10 weeks has been able to push him to use the auditory and decoding skills foundation that had previously been laid. He is moving into the realm of reading automatically. I think Read Right has merit for those students who are struggling to read despite considerable decoding training.
This next Read Right level is 8th grade through adult. We will see how his progress goes. I’ll give you another update as he reaches the completion of Read Right. Thanks for your interest. I know you keep aware of the hopeful information that is available to help children read.
Re: Read Right update
I laughed when my husband first told me about phone tutoring after meeting them at a school convention. Look at their website www.readright.com. It certainly has the convenience of home, a fair price and most of all progress when we did not think much more would be made. Like so many things, if it is the right thing at the right time… :wink:
Re: Read Right update
We’re going for a PG intensive right before Christmas. I am hoping for some of the right time thing too. He did one three years ago and learned to read but I think at 7, he was really too young for the intense format. He has had tons of therapy since and is so much more neurologically organized. So I am hopeful.
I will keep sound reading in mind as a possible followup.
Beth
I have followed your son’s story with interest for several years and it is heartning to hear of his progress. I must admit I didn’t hold out much hope for a telephone tutor so that shows how little I know!!! Sometimes it is a matter of having the right intensity at the right time.
Beth