Parallel Universe (from Carol Bronisz)

[Lawrence Bronisz]

The discussion of Parallel Universe has come up with many parents.  Parallel Universe has worked really well with students (mostly not in Special education) to improve their fluency, comprehension and confidence.  Several parents have indicated to me that there is a push to include their students with dyslexia in that program.  That program is NOT designed for students with dyslexia, and is not an acceptable application for their special education needs.  Dyslexic students need multi-sensory, explicit with a specific progression, instruction.  The Orton-Gillingham learning approach is one of the best for teaching students with dyslexia.

I was very sorry that Amplify ELA was chosen for Kinders and first grade.  After many, many staff have been through the LETRS program., it is a shame that the curriculum chosen does not support what the LETRS program teaches.  I am afraid that we will have many children coming out of Kinder and First as struggling readers if the teachers use only Amplify.  In my experience, the curriculum move much too quickly for many Kinders, and they will then go into First struggling with reading.