Innovation Academy Takes an Advanced Approach to Literacy
Las Vegas K-8 Montessori | Students with Dyslexia
Parents regularly call us, frustrated that Nevada public schools do not offer assistance for students with dyslexia. For example, a typical complaint involves a child who is falling further behind academically every year. Meanwhile, administrators keep moving this same child up in terms of grade level.
Moreover, many schools tell these parents that homeschooling is their only option if they are not satisfied with the public school situation. As a result, parents and students alike become frustrated, feeling trapped between two imperfect solutions.
Homeschooling is not always an option. On the other hand, it may be an option, but not the first choice for many parents who want their kids to succeed in a school environment.
As a private Las Vegas K-8 Montessori school, Innovation Academy has unique resources to help children who have the common language-based learning disability known as dyslexia. Not only is Innovation Academy able to cater to these kids, but they are also able to remain among their peers.
Furthermore, our educators do not tell or show them that they have a problem. Instead, we give them the tools they need and the confidence in which to succeed.
What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is often referred to as a disorder, but it may be more accurately described as a group of symptoms related to language. The problem is commonly associated with reading and writing. It can also impact speech.
To clarify, dyslexia can make it difficult for someone to process the order of letters and words. It can also create challenges for people trying to decipher how letter combinations translate into sounds.
According to the International Dyslexia Association, approximately 15 to 20 percent of the total population may have dyslexia symptoms. These range from slow or inaccurate reading to poor writing ability and weak spelling skills.
What Is Our Solution?
There is only one research-proven method that can help a child with dyslexia by giving them tools to be able to not only function, but also thrive when it comes to reading: the Orton-Gillingham Approach. An educator and a psychologist developed this method in the 1930s, when they joined forces to combat “word-blindness.” Their solution to the problem included creating sequential lessons that emphasize how letters connect with sounds.
This approach works particularly well for students struggling with reading, writing, and spelling—such as those with dyslexia. In addition, it fits quite well into the Montessori classroom. This is because the method incorporates multiple senses—sight, hearing, and touch—as well as movement.
Because of the Orton-Gillingham Approach’s effectiveness, Innovation Academy uses it in the classroom. Further, members of our team are working to become certified OGA teachers.
The Personal Touch
Although we believe the Orton-Gillingham Approach is a remarkable tool, we are also realistic: It is not a magic solution. Overcoming barriers to learning requires commitment, flexibility, and hard work!
To help with this, our teachers work with each student as an individual. That is to say that any strategy—including the OGA—is tempered with a human touch. In this way, our teachers represent a safe and effective “middle ground.” In other words, we are not a public school blind to unique students’ needs. On the other hand, we are not homeschoolers struggling to balance educational needs with daily home life and necessary activities.
To sum up, we have the time, training, and resources to stick with a proven program, adapting each day as needed. And our goal is not advancement for advancement’s sake. We aim to create a sturdy foundation on which struggling students can confidently build future exploration, learning, and knowledge.
Tired of the Struggle?
At Innovation Academy, we are ready to help. CONTACT US to learn more about how we work with students with dyslexia. We can explain more about how these students are not singled out by their challenges, but are welcomed and celebrated.
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Las Vegas K-8 Montessori | Students with Dyslexia