Prevention
Pilot studies have shown that when K-3 classroom teachers use the Davis Learning Strategies, special education placements were eliminated. These methods reach every child, regardless of learning style.
Davis Learning Strategies arose from the Davis Dyslexia Correction procedures. They are designed to be used in the Kindergarten to Grade 3 classroom, by the existing teacher. They are extremely easy to implement, it is not an addition to the existing curriculum, but a different method of providing the curriculum. They can also be used by Homeschooling Associations and Homeschooling parents (see www.davislearn.com).
They encompass every learning style - whether sound-based or image-based. The strategies provide a way of focusing, accessing appropriate energy levels, stress-release, and learning the alphabet symbols and numeracy symbols by experiencing the meaning, the image, and the sound. They lead to reading exercises (no phonics) and mastery of all words through experience, whether they are sight and concept words, or words that already have an image.
It has been documented in the Journal of Reading Improvement, Vol 38, Summer 2001, Number 2, that over a five year study in six schools in the San Francisco Bay area, it was found that the Davis Learning Strategies helped ALL children enhance and improve their reading and language arts skills. There were no children sent to Learning Assistance and more were placed in Gifted Education programs. They ensure that the difficulties associated with dyslexia and other 'so-called' learning disabilities do not occur.
The Whole Dyslexic Society is dedicated to ensuring that as many Elementary Schools as possible use the Davis Learning Strategies in the classroom setting. There is no need for evaluation, early intervention, segregating, labeling - a huge saving in emotional stress and human resources. The money normally expended in this direction could fund the initiative. Any Elementary School, whether private or public or alternate, is invited to contact us for further details.
Our aim is to prevent the challenges from happening. These strategies will be piloted in the Learning Community.
Congratulations to the following schools for efficiently and effectively implementing the Davis Learning Strategies throughout their primary grades:
- Walsh Elementary School (Colorado)
- Northwestern Area School District (South Dakota)
- Elbert Elementary School (Colorado)
Click here to read more about Davis Learning Strategies Model Schools