According to the NYU Steinhardt New Jersey Reading Recovery report, "2005-2006 was another very successful year for Reading Recovery in New Jersey. The intervention’s outstanding student database accounts for every participating first
grader, without exception." Read the full report here...
During the past decade, parents of Reading Recovery students have sent in many letters to each of the Reading Recovery training sites and their school district administrators that describe the impact the intervention has had on the lives of their children. Excerpts from some of these letters are shown below.
"I wanted to put in writing what a positive and beneficial experience my 1st grade [child] had with the Reading Recovery Program. [My child] progressed 16 levels in reading! …Ironically, I am a life long reader and have read to [my child] every day…. Yet, I found it extremely difficult and frustrating in my efforts to teach [my child] to read. With [the teacher's] help and specific suggestions and tips, I have been much more effective with [my child]. …The Reading Recovery Program has had a profound impact on my [child's] life. [My child] is now reading everything in sight and my [child's] pride in mastery is wonderful to see. I believe this program opened my [child] to a lifetime love of reading and subsequent learning."
"I am amazed at my child's progress and so proud of [my child's] hard work. I hope all the parents realize how lucky our children are to have this program and such dedicated teachers!"
"As an educator, I surrounded my [twins] with books from before they were born. My wife and I read to them everyday, shared the joys of a good story, and made visits to the library part of their lives. Soon after beginning first grade, it became apparent to me that [they] were struggling with reading.…[They] began to view themselves as non-readers. As an educator, I was alarmed, as a parent - heartbroken.…[One child] entered the program around mid-year and [the other] shortly thereafter. The change in their attitude and ability occurred almost immediately. [Their teacher] supplied them with expert instruction, provided them with motivation and strengthened their self-esteem.… I am happy and proud to tell you that both [twins] 'retired' from the program in late spring. They both enjoy reading and see it as something they do for pleasure, fun, and learning.
I have worked in school districts that do and do not have a Reading Recovery program and have seen the impact it can have on students, parents, and teachers. I am grateful my children attend school in a district that offers this program and had the opportunity to benefit from it."
"I was and am in complete amazement at what this program can and did do. I had been trying since preschool to get [my child] to write [my child's] name. When [my child] was falling behind the class in Kindergarten I went to doctors and specialists trying to get a diagnosis of dyslexia and or Attention Deficit Disorder. Anything to help me understand why [my child] was unable to read or write. I almost kept [my child] back. I thank the Reading Recovery program, [my child's teacher] and [principal] for [my child's] success. Although, [my child] did it on [my child's] own, [my child] would not have been able to do so without such confidence and devotion."
"My [child] was chosen to begin the Reading Recovery Program in November. Since that time [my child] has made tremendous gains in reading, writing and comprehension. I feel strongly that [my child] would not be at the reading level [my child] is now without the 1 to 1 instruction she is receiving…. As a parent I am grateful that the [school district] recognizes the need for early intervention programs. Children that need early intervention need the help of skilled professionals and educators to help make a child's school career a successful learning experience. I hope that many more children will have the benefits of this wonderful program for years to come."
"I am writing to let you know what a great asset the Reading Recovery Program has been for our child. [Our child] went from a very struggling and unsure reader to a child who now has great pride in [our child's] reading achievements. The Reading Recovery Program did this for [our child]. The parents are also struggling to help their child learn and the program helps them to better understand how to help, when to help and what tools to use by working in conjunction with the Reading Recovery teacher. I was able to help my [child] without feeling unsure and without pressuring too much. This early intervention has made all the difference and it is comforting to know that the school has recognized the problem and got [my child] the help [my child] so desperately needed to succeed."
"We are so grateful that our [child] was able to participate in the Reading Recovery Program…. When [our child] came to [school] in September and started 1st grade, [our child] was unable to read. [Our child] was lacking confidence, and would not even try to read words [our child] didn't know. [Our child] was also very soft spoken. Through your hard work and encouragement you have given [our child] the opportunity to make learning how to read an enjoyable experience for [our child] and our family. [Our child] has truly developed all the skills [our child] must know to be a better reader. [Our child] is so much more confident when reading. Since [our child's] been in the program [our child's] total attitude towards school and reading has changed to be much more positive."
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