Last edited Sun Sep 9, 2012, 03:42 PM - Edit history (1)
among other learning difficulties or disabilities. A lot of studies have been done on mild, moderate and severe learning disabilities.
Back when GWB was governor, Texas had the same kind of test results for math reading and writing/spelling. A new curriculum for English returning to Phonics, was discussed around the State. The low progress was from students statewide that had been removed from the old fashioned curriculum of Phonics to the more modern WLA-Whole Language Approach. Reading recovery programs were only helping students with mild dyslexia. Phonics taught every child how to read and spell.
When it came down to a vote the Conservatives switched back to the old unsuccessful WLA-Whole Luggage Approach instead of going forward with the proven phonetic curriculum.
The movement to a phonetic curriculum was the beginnings of No Child Left Behind. Basically it said that if a child was unable to read on a third grad level then he/she could not advance to the next grade without summer school and a phonetic curriculum. In fourth grade student must spell five and six letter words. Children with dyslexia have trouble with memorizing five or more letter words. The Whole Language Approach uses MEMORIZING. Phonetic Language programs use phonetics. Again I will say that every child can learn to read and spell using a Phonetic program. Children in Special Education need a certified Language Pathologist and a Language Training Program-Contact the International Orton Dyslexia Society for details and understanding of IDEA.
Conservatives did a bait and switch. People in the Texas Education Agency were still with the Whole Language Approach. There was no phonetic programs in the general education population because the governor and TX Legislature decided to deni a return to the phonetic curriculum that was a proven method of learning to read, write and spell. Students with severe dyslexia were in need of Special Education. With that, IDEA-Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and its billions and billions of dollars. Instead of the TEC-Texas Education Codes Dyslexia Program Criteria, IDEA money was used to buy numerous computers with an installed programs all across the state.
The program did not make adequate yearly progress-AYP. The computers bought with IDEA money could only be used in Special Education. The computers became stored (they have long since become obsolete but business had already gotten its money out of the deal) . Educators had to go back to the TEC Dyslexia Program Criteria. Many new Language Training Specialist left college and provided therapy to children with moderate to severe disabilities.
Until we return to a phonetic curriculum, I believe that some students will not make AYP. Genetics of learning type show that up to 60% of the population need to learn language by a phonetic program. Hum- around 65% of Texas 9th graders did not pass the STAAR Writing End of Course exam. Around 69% did not pass the Reading STAAR. Please look into the results for Math, Science, and Social Studies.
You must be wondering who or where did that unsuccessful computer program come from that was paid for by federal IDEA money. Yes it was from one of the Bush brothers.
You must be wondering what privatization program will be coming to Texas students to provide AYP and a High School Credit that will be denied if students fail a STAAR exam in the 2012-13 school year.
Maybe the new commissioner was hired to help bring in privatization. What lucky company is going to make millions off of our failing children.
= new reply since forum marked as read
