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Four Challenges Hindering Literacy Success in Urban Schools

Oct 20, 2015
 
 

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Four Challenges Hindering Literacy Success in Urban Schools

There are several challenges urban schools face while attempting to meet the needs of its diverse student population.  As one Public School Program Manager for Specialized Instruction put it, “As a district, we are heavily over-identified for special education services.  We have so many children that have IEPs, so many children with significant disabilities, particularly in reading.  The history is that if students are identified for SPED in Kindergarten, and they are still there in 3rd grade, chances are they are not coming out of SPED.  And that’s a problem.  We have to change the picture for these kids.  They are our future.”

Four challenges:

1. Teacher quality and experience—High teacher turnover and lack of experienced staff are well documented in urban schools.  This makes it difficult to address the needs of at-risk students, even with resources and professional development designed to do so.

2. Chronic low achievement of at-risk populations—Large, urban districts are faced with significant numbers of students who struggle to read and succeed academically.  Schools lack the staff and the time to adequately address the literacy needs of so many.

3. Incoherent instructional initiatives—Large, urban districts often have too many initiatives and programs, making it difficult to implement any one program with quality or fidelity.

4. Limited expertise in diagnostic evaluation and progress monitoring—While schools may collect a lot of performance data, most urban districts lack the expertise to truly diagnose literacy needs and differentiate instruction, especially in the early grades.

Professional development has been shown to be ineffective in raising or sustaining student achievement, largely related to the factors cited above. Urban districts invest a significant amount of money and time in professional development but often experience little or no ROI.

However, through an innovative partnership model, Lindamood-Bell is establishing onsite literacy centers staffed and managed by its program specialists.  This model allows districts to meet the needs of its most struggling learners while not requiring additional professional development, programming, or demands on district staff during the instructional schedule.

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Lindamood-Bell Academy is a school where every student can thrive! We develop foundational skills and provide a personalized learning experience—in person or live online. 
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📖🐾 Roan & Sammy’s Incredible Journey!
In the December issue of Real Simple, Ruth Gentry shares how Sammy, a disabled rescue dog, became a source of strength and support as Roan worked to overcome dyslexia. With Lindamood-Bell instruction and Sammy by his side, Roan’s confidence has soared—and now he reads to Sammy every night!
✨ Watch Roan read from the Real Simple article about their inspiring story! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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🎧 New Podcast Episode 🎧
Discover how Lindamood-Bell’s online instruction transforms learning. Alyson shares how her young daughter made big strides in reading and spelling, while Paul Worthington, our Director of Research and Development, highlights data showing students thrive online just as they do in person.
🎙️ Listen now, follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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#LindamoodBell #podcast #testimonial
Lindamood-Bell Academy is a school where every student can thrive! We develop foundational skills and provide a personalized learning experience—in person or live online. 
Enroll now and enjoy 25% off one month of tuition! 🌟Learn more and get started today! 
Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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#lindamoodbellacademy #lindamoodbell #privateschool #personalizedlearning
This Thanksgiving, we’re reminded there’s always something to be thankful for—and at Lindamood-Bell, we’re especially thankful for you!
There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a student’s joy when they achieve something they once thought impossible—like proudly reading their first story. Moments like these inspire us every day.
Thank you for being part of the Lindamood-Bell family. Wishing you a holiday filled with joy and gratitude!
With gratitude,
Your friends at Lindamood-Bell
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Take advantage of special savings on Winter Break instruction!
👉 Visit our website for details and to get started today.
Lindamood-Bell helps students of all ages catch up, overcome learning loss, or get ahead. Our individualized instruction builds skills and confidence, setting students up for lasting success.
Don’t miss out—contact your local learning center today to learn more! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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Lindamood-Bell Academy can make a difference for your child!
Every one-to-one or small-group class is live and interactive, whether in person or online. Students feel successful right from the start.
Enroll now and enjoy 25% off one month of tuition! 
🌟Learn more and get started today! 
Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoobellofficial.
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📚 Attention Educators!
Many students struggle with reading comprehension even when their decoding and vocabulary skills are strong. The missing piece? Concept imagery—the ability to create a mental “big picture” from language.
Explore our latest blog for insights and practical strategies to help your students succeed in comprehension and critical thinking.
👉 Read more in our latest blog post, follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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#lindamoodbell
Help your child catch up, conquer learning loss, or get ahead—our individualized instruction can set them up for success!
Contact your local learning center today for special savings on Winter Break instruction!
👉 Visit our website for details and to get started today! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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#lindamoodbell #tutor #testimonial
❄️ Don’t miss our Winter Wonderland Learning Savings!❄️
📚 10% OFF instruction during Winter Break!
Help your child catch up, conquer learning loss, or get ahead—our individualized instruction will set them up for success and confidence in the New Year.
👉 Visit our website for details and to get started today! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Lindamood-Bell Academy can make a difference for your child!
Every one-to-one or small-group class is live and interactive, whether in person or online. Students feel successful right from the start.
Enroll now and enjoy 25% off one month of tuition! 
🌟Learn more and get started today! 
Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoobellofficial.
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#LindamoodBellAcademy #LindamoodBell #privateschool
Our evidence-based instruction is effective whether you attend in person or live online! Students everywhere, including those with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, can gain new skills and confidence—and have a successful school year. Contact your local learning center today for special school year savings! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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#lindamoodbell #tutor #testimonial
📚Watch your child thrive this school year with Lindamood-Bell Academy!
Every one-to-one or small-group class is live and interactive, whether in person or online. Students feel successful right from the start.
Enroll now and enjoy 25% off one month of tuition! 🎉
🌟Learn more and get started today! 
Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoobellofficial.
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#LindamoodBellAcademy #LindamoodBell #privateschool
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