![]() ![]() Once their decoding skills are solidified, they move on to more comprehension-focused groups. Students move through PAF/Orton and Advanced PAF/Orton groups. “We teach students how to be problem-solvers and empower them to use tools and strategies to become increasingly independent,” says Natalie Huerta, Elementary School Literacy Coach. ![]() Students dissect words, break them down to the smallest possible units of language, and find ways to build them back up. Orton-Gillingham is a research-based, highly structured multi-modality approach to teaching reading that has proven to be very effective for students who struggle with language-based learning disabilities. ![]() The general progression begins with the youngest students in a PAF (Preventing Academic Failure) group, which is Orton-Gillingham based. There is an overarching structure to the program, within which teachers are free to modify according to the needs of their groups and to choose the themes of the books. In order to make sure that groupings best serve students’ needs throughout the year, formal assessments are given three times a year: a mini assessment at the beginning, and more in-depth assessments in the middle and end of the year. ![]() Students start at the same place and move forward together. The group dynamic is family-like, creating trust and routines, which encourages students to take the risks necessary to become better readers. Once students are matched with a teacher, a specific curriculum is developed for each group. On paper, students who appear to be at the same reading level may have different learning styles and needs. Groups are created based on extensive assessment and observation. The innovative program groups students (within a two-year age range) according to similar abilities, rather than by homeroom or age. There are 31 groups of three-five students for the 2017-18 school year. This will increase to five days a week next year. Every student in the elementary division receives direct instruction in small groups for an hour four days a week. Teachers are passionate about giving their students, most of whom struggle with reading, access to the world of ideas and knowledge through reading. Teaching reading is the cornerstone of the MMFS elementary division program. By Orla Dunstan, Director of Communications ![]()
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