Q: We are concerned that our 8-year-old daughter is not reading very well, if at all. She is a third-grader, and the work is getting harder. Her teacher is concerned, too, but everyone does not seem to want to recommend she get special help. They say she is low in reading ability but still average and will progress over time. We are very worried. She is a smart child with many things she likes. This is starting to bother her. She really wants to read well and compares herself with her friends. — Slightly Panicked Parents
A: You are rightfully concerned. The teacher sounds as if she is worried as well. That should be enough to get the ball rolling for an evaluation. My personal preference is to see if you might have her evaluated outside the school, but this can be expensive, and many insurance companies won't pay for outside testing. Just be resourceful and get it done.
If she is more than a year behind in her reading level, go on the warpath. This is your daughter, and you are her only viable advocate. Reading is at the core of curricula in all schools. A language-based program pushes nonreading youngsters aside and serves them poorly.
There are several tremendously helpful reading programs. Some school systems have "reading recovery." When it is well taught, this can live up to its name. There are also private resources. My favorite is the learning centers run by the Masonic Lodges. The Masons have poured millions into the learning centers. These centers are specifically designed to address dyslexia. Their services are free. They utilize the Orton Gilingham method for teaching kids to read. This method is based upon a neurological model that insists the developing brain should be a part of how children are taught. Novel, eh? Your child would be individually tutored by a trained person. Many of the tutors are in the training program from the Massachusetts General Hospital, where a reading lab has been in existence for years.
The nearest Masonic Learning Center for this area is in Lowell. Call 978-937-9577. Get on a waiting list as soon as possible. Good luck.
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Dr. Larry Larsen is an Andover psychologist. If you would like to ask a question or respond to one, e-mail him at lrryllrsn@cs.com.
