Technology-based remediation continues to gain momentum as a robust way to improve phonological processing, language skills, and both reading and reading comprehension skills. Technology web-based remediation provides help at a reasonable cost and maximizes the ease of one’s time and access, in a manner that is engaging and more fun than traditional tutoring.
There are many ways to improve phonological processing, language, reading decoding/word recognition skills, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. The key to success is dependent upon the right intervention, precise challenges/weaknesses in subcortical areas such as cognitive processing limitations, and intensity/frequency. The more time invested with empirically supported techniques, the better the outcome. Historically, due to exuberant fees charged by reading specialists, our most successful model/approach has been to pair 2 or 3 sessions of Orton Gillingham, Lindamood Bell, or Susan Barton, with select modules of LIPS or Seeing Stars, with select modules of Fast ForWord (such as Language V2 – Language to Reading, Literacy, or Advanced Literacy).
When families cannot afford the fees typically charged by reading specialists, the next option is to pursue Fast ForWord on a daily basis. The right Fast ForWord module, paired with the appropriate neurocognitive profile, results in great gains. There is an excess of research which supports Fast ForWord. However, there is also research that criticizes the program. Typically, criticism comes from those who have something to lose (e.g., if technology proves to be both better and cheaper than expensive prescriptive tutoring). Groups such as the International Dyslexia Association pride themselves as having members (specialized teachers) who are skilled in what they believe to be the best reading approaches. Therefore, any shift toward technology would simply be a tremendous financial loss for such individuals. As a consequence, the camps which criticize “technology-based remediation” the most are the ones that have the most to lose. This is due to the cost efficiency of Fast ForWord vs. reading tutors, who charge in excess of $100 to $150.00 per hour. Overall, the trick is to combine the appropriate technology-based remedial trainings, along with live tutors. The following link contains a summary of 30 years of research on Fast ForWord: www.scilearn.com/results/research-independent-reviews.
Fast ForWord is more engaging than most tutors, easily accessed, cost effective, and has plenty of research to support it. If your child is behind in reading, and traditional steps to help have failed, Fast ForWord should be taken as a very serious option that won’t break the bank! Call our office and arrange for a free demonstration of Fast ForWord and other technology and web-based remediation training programs. 954.577.3396.
