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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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🌟 Kiersten Khoury’s journey from struggling with dyslexia to being crowned Miss Massachusetts is truly inspiring! After overcoming reading challenges with the help of Lindamood-Bell, she’s now preparing to represent her state at the 2025 Miss America Pageant. 👑
As an advocate for literacy, her mission is to turn challenges into superpowers, inspiring others along the way. 💪
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Lindamood-Bell provides tailored instruction in reading, comprehension, and math for students of all ages and abilities.

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✨ Special savings on winter break instruction—contact your local learning center today! 
Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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.
🌟 Learn more and get started today! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoobellofficial.
Educators, is your literacy instruction grounded in a Theory of Cognition? 🤔📚

At Lindamood-Bell, our approach aligns with a specific theory of cognition known as Dual Coding Theory (DCT). In our latest blog, learn more about the theory, its impact on education, and how you can apply it in your teaching to boost literacy and comprehension. 

📖 Read the full article at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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, @lindamoobellofficial.
🌟 Build New Skills and Confidence with Lindamood-Bell! 🌟

Our evidence-based instruction improves reading, comprehension, and math skills. Whether in person or live online, we’re here to support your student!

✨ Special savings on winter break instruction available now—contact your local learning center today!  Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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🎧New Podcast Episode! 🎧
Miss Massachusetts 2024, Kiersten Khoury, was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child. Her journey with Lindamood-Bell began in fifth grade, where she received support as a student. Today, she uses her platform to champion literacy and inspire others on their reading journeys.

As Miss Massachusetts, Kiersten will proudly represent her state at the Miss America pageant on January 5, 2025. Listen at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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