SULLIVAN, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Indiana is working to make strides in literacy education by implementing the Science of Reading.
This innovative approach is already showing promising results, for young learners right here in the Wabash Valley.
Kade Summers is a fifth grader at Sullivan Elementary School who dreams of playing in the NFL. In his young life, he’s already faced significant challenges like learning to read.
But now, he’s reading.
“But why,” Kade read from a page of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. “What happened Harry asked, urgently. The anger faded from Hagert’s face.”
At the beginning of third grade, Kade’s reading level was tested at the level of an end-of-the-year kindergartener or first-of-the-year first grader.
His mother, Taryn, recalled the emotional toll of watching her son struggle, “When you have a child that struggles to read, it’s really hard because you don’t know what the future is for them,” she said tearfully.
Taryn went on to describe the frustration Kade felt. “Everything he does he puts his all into. That makes it hard because you know how badly he wants it. He just doesn’t understand why he couldn’t get this one thing that’s supposed to be so easy and natural.”
After Sullivan Elementary adopted Orton-Gillingham (OG) to teach reading, Kade’s growth skyrocketed to grade-level proficiency.
“What they’re doing had to be working,” Taryn said.
Jennifer Lincoln, Kade’s third-grade teacher to to witness his transformation firsthand.
“From October to January, Kade grew like 72 points,” Ms. Lincoln said. “He started using the strategies in the Orton-Gillingham method, and it was just clicking with him. We were just flabbergasted with the growth that he was making.”
She emphasized that the Science of Reading not only helps struggling readers and those with dyslexia, but all students.
“It’s just a different way to approach reading,” Lincoln said. “The kids are more excited to learn, and it made me more excited about teaching. I wish I had this so many years back.”
“It’s opened up a new perspective of how kids learn and how kids read,” Taryn said. “The confidence boost and making sure that he is feeling good about himself and everything, that is the most important thing for him—you know, his self-esteem.”
Kade now enjoys reading books chapter books, a stark contrast to his previous reluctance.
“I’m really, really happy about it and excited about it because now I can read more books,” Kade said.
When asked what book he plans to read next, Kade said with a big smile, “I’m going to read the next Harry Potter book.”
Kade’s journey underscores the importance of tailored reading instruction, like OG, a multisensory approach.
As Kade looks to his future, he dreams of one day becoming an NFL player, fully aware that reading will play a crucial role in achieving his goals. His newfound reading skills will give him the confidence to tackle life’s challenges.
Training in the Science of Reading doesn’t come cheap. The Sullivan County Civic Foundation is helping raise funds to pay for teachers in Sullivan County to get trained in OG. To learn more about how you can help by attending a fundraising event on Saturday, October 26, click here. Or visit the Brew, Que & Wine Too Facebook page by clicking here.
