Reading/Learning disabilities and difficulties - Academic Associates frequently asked questions

Because the method schools use to teach reading does not equip students to decode all words and, in fact, teaches to the wrong part of the brain, causing difficulties and even disabilities for many students. Intensive, systematic, synthetic phonics is the only method that can possibly lay a proper foundation for decoding. If a child cannot decode, she simply cannot read. Also, fluency and comprehension become much more difficult for her. Please see the "Scientific Evidence" tab for more information and explanation.

Phonics didn’t work for my child. Why try again?

Perhaps the phonics that "didn't work" for your child was not true synthetic phonics. Furthermore, many programs consider some sounds and rules of phonics to be superfluous or inconsequential. However, all the sounds and rules of phonics are essential for a child who has reading difficulties. Please see the "Scientific Evidence" tab for more information and explanation.

So what if my child is a little slow in learning to read?

Parents–do not delay in helping your child! If a child gets behind in reading, he may start to think he is not as smart as the rest of his classmates, or begin to harbor a negative attitude towards school or learning in general. It is estimated that the academic futures of 25-40% of American students are endangered because they do not read well enough. Don't let your child become a sad statistic. The good news is that, in a very short time, your child's life can be fundamentally transformed for the better–forever!

Can students with learning disabilities ever learn to read?

Yes, it just may take them a little longer. Recent studies show that nearly every learning disabled student can learn to read if taught by the logical, sequential, comprehensive, step-by step phonics method used by Academic Associates. Our unique method teaches learning disabled students to begin reading simple words immediately. They progress steadily and before long, most can read every word in the English language. Then they learn to understand what they read.

What’s the best age to teach children to read?

We love teaching four and five year old students, because, when children are given a proper foundation with synthetic phonics, they do not develop the "learning disabilities" engendered by conventional instructional methods. Typically, Academic Associates graduates start kindergarten or first grade with the ability to read at the second or third grade level.

The earlier children start, the better their chances of success. At Academic Associates, we teach children of four years and older so they can get a substantial head start in school and in life. They can already read books by the time they start kindergarten. Of course, our time-tested method works as well for older students and adults.

Why are you so positive that you can teach everyone to read?

Because our Academic Associates course has worked for every student we’ve ever taught. Like our five-year-old students who know things about reading most adults don’t know, or our fifth graders who read high school words. It’s a simple, effective, natural method that works with the brain, instead of against it. From years of experience, we know there is only one reading method that works every time, with every student. No other method even comes close. Please see the "Scientific Evidence" tab for more information and explanation.

What is the cost of your program?

Ordinarily, the cost per hour is comparable to fees charged by typical learning centers and tutors. However, the overall cost tends to be significantly less. The primary reason for this is that we are able to equip students to read successfully in a remarkably short period of time relative to how they would have fared with conventional approaches. Please call for a free, no obligation reading assessment and consultation. After testing, we will be able to give, for your consideration, an informed analysis of the ways we will be able to help your child, how long that may take, and what the estimated expenditure will be. We will never require you to commit to a long-term contract.

Where are you located?

There are Academic Associates centers all over the U.S. and in many foreign countries. We are located in Roselle, IL just south of Schaumburg, and our clinic is in the lower level of our tri-level residence. Children love the secure, relaxed, noninstitutional environment, and parents love the fact they are not forced to pay higher fees for a storefront location.

“I have to share a little story with you. The night of Jared’s graduation from your class, Jennifer was picking a book to read and Jared came and picked a chapter book too. He asked me if he could read in his bed and, of course, I said yes (I thought he was just looking for a way to stay up a little longer) - but he read that night for 40 minutes. I kept checking on him and he was really into his book. I went in his room and he said - look mom, look at the words I sounded out by myself. He said you know what mom, reading is actually fun and I think when I get up tomorrow morning I’ll keep reading instead of going downstairs and turning on the TV. I NEVER thought I would ever hear Jared say any of that and it made me cry - we were already very happy with the results of your class but that really assured us that we did the right thing for him - THANK YOU!!!! Jared is doing WONDERFUL this year. He is in a reading group at the 3rd grade level and he has been understanding his work so much better. He has scored 100% on all of his spelling and vocabulary tests and got the 2nd highest score in his class on his math chapter test. His math teacher said he is understanding the material better and quicker than most of the other kids in the class. He seems to be much more confident this year because he can actually read the directions and understand what the teachers want him to do.” Proud mom

Frequently asked questions about reading