Beginning in the 2018-2019 school year, FPD students in elementary, middle, or high school who need an extra boost with their reading skills will be able to participate in Reading Boost. This special program uses the Orton-Gillingham method, a multi-sensory approach that enables learners to capitalize on their strengths while remediating deficits.

The Orton-Gillingham method was originally developed for students with dyslexic tendencies, but has been shown to help students with an array of related reading challenges. The approach is based on analyzing and manipulating speech sounds in words.

Reading Boost will improve:

  • phonemic awareness – the ability to manipulate the sounds that make up spoken language
  • phonics skills – the understanding that there are relationships between letters and sounds
  • fluency – reading with accuracy, speed, and expression

Similar to FPD’s Instructional Support, Reading Boost will be hosted during the school day. Students will meet for small group instruction led by Orton-Gillingham certified teacher Cathy Knight or Kelly Bullington.

Parents who are interested can contact their child’s teacher or principal for more information. Teachers may also reach out to parents if they feel the program would be of benefit to their child.

Reading Boost Enrollment Form