One of the main focuses of the 2007-08 PTSA has been literacy support at Somerset. The largest budgeted item this year ($24,000) helped Somerset hire a part-time Literacy Facilitator (LF) who began work on Nov. 7th. Below you will find some Background on the LF position, Testimonials from parents who have a child dealing with reading issues, websites and summer reading lists from Kathy Franzel (Somerset’s Librarian) as well as some Additional Resources for parents.
 

Background on Literacy Support at Somerset

Since the Literacy Facilitator is part-time she can only support 3 grade levels in that period of time. Research has shown that the most progress can be made with students in the lower grades so the LF will work with 1st, 2nd & 3rd graders this school year. If we see marked progress in these 1st-3rd graders, our hope is to help fund a full-time LF next school year. The priority for a full-time LF will need to be championed by Somerset parents in the upcoming budget process for the 2008-09 school year - this process will begin in March of 2008. Watch the Somerset News for details on how to voice your opinions for how budgeted monies are spent.
 

Testimonials from Parents of Kid’s with Reading Issues
 
The Wallin Family -
My husband and I are both attorneys who read and write for a living. Our firstborn daughter read with ease after kindergarten. We were therefore shocked and unprepared for the difficulties our son and younger daughter had with literacy. Read More
 
The Powers Family -
Our son started kindergarten at Somerset knowing the letter "B." We had tried working with him reading, flash cards and a number of other things we heard helped get kids started reading but nothing seemed to stick... Read More
 
The Schneider Family -
When our son began school at Somerset, he had already started reading ‘early reader’ books. He read enthusiastically and we supported his efforts to become a more adept reader. He finished Kindergarten reading a little better than when he started but never overcame the challenge of reading words phonetically. It turned out he simply memorized books. So, we figured he was a "sight reader". Read More
 
 
 
Additional Resources
 
Helpful Books for Parents
 
Adams, Ph.D., Marilyn.  (1990).  Beginning to Read: Thinking and Learning About Print – A Summary.  Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
 
Hall, Susan L. and Moats, Ed.D., Louisa C. (1999). Straight Talk About Reading. Chicago, IL: Contemporary Books.
 
Silver, M.D., Larry. (1984). The Misunderstood Child. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
 
Shaywitz, M.D, Sally. (2003). Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Overcoming Reading Problems at Any Level. New York, NY: Random House Inc.  
 
If you have concerns, look for a cluster of characteristics such as the following: 

* Inaccurate reading: Guesses the words
* Reversals and/or transpositions of letters and numerals
* Weak organizational skills
* Difficulty following directions
* Difficulty copying
* Labored "childish" handwriting
* Trouble learning common spelling patterns
* Slow to memorize the alphabet and math facts
* Doesn't read for pleasure
* May have poor self-esteem
* Difficulty organizing ideas to write or speak

For more information related to this checklist, visit http://www.interdys.org/FactSheets.htm

Referrals for Educational Testing

International Dyslexia Association
http://www.interdys.org
(contact them and they will send you a current list)

Dr. Patricia Oppenheim
(425) 562-1515
13656 Main Street, Bellevue

Dr. Elizabeth Smith
(425) 301-1816
Office in downtown Bellevue
elizabeth.smith@kinderminds.com

Tests that May be Administered

* Wechsler Intellectual Scale for Children (4th ed),
* Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration,
* Woodcock Johnson-III Tests of Achievement,
* Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing (CTOPP),
Gray Oral Reading Test-4.

Referrals for Learning Specialists/Tutors Using Linguistic Remedies

Laura Rogan, Coordinator and trainer
(206) 533-1808

Sherri Tilstra, Learning Specialist and tutor specializing in dyslexia.
2836 32nd Ave. S., Seattle
(206) 725-6064
sherritilstra@hotmail.com.

Melanie Weiss, M.Ed. (tutor)
Located near Interlake High School
Bellevue
(425) 746-5745