FAQs
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I use the Wilson Reading System for those students who are struggling with reading and/or spelling, WIlson Fundations for those students still working on orthographic mapping needed for letter names and sounds, and various supplemental resources as needed. Please see the resource section for more information about the WRS program.
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I am a trained and certified Wilson Reading Practitioner. The time, effort, and study involved with the WRS Certification program are considerable. Each trainee is expected to:
Acquire a very sophisticated working knowledge of the sound-symbol system of English (phonology) and its structure (morphology).
Use specific diagnostic techniques in the teaching of reading and spelling to an individual with a significant reading disability.
Demonstrate explicit teaching of fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
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I received my BA with a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education and began teaching immediately upon graduation in 1996. I have taught in various countries around the world as well as in the Midwest and then the most extensive period of time here in CA. When raising my 3 young boys I wanted to be at home which led me to open my own private preschool in Half Moon Bay. As they got older it was time for me to return to work. In 2015 I was blessed to get a job at Charles Armstrong in Belmont CA, which began a very passionate journey teaching LD learners struggling with dyslexia and related comorbidities as a lead classroom 2nd Grade Teacher and after school tutor.
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In order for this type of tutoring to be successful, I must meet with students at least twice a week, for 50-minute sessions. For younger students with shorter attention spans, it is also possible to meet more often, for shorter periods of time, but the total time per week must equal at least 100 minutes.
Students with more severe dyslexia, or who wish to make more rapid progress, may benefit from more frequent tutoring sessions.
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It is strongly recommended that students who require intensive instruction due to a language-based learning disability, such as dyslexia, receive instruction individually or in small groups from an instructor with Wilson Reading System® (WRS) Certification.
This evidence-based program:
Has demonstrated success helping students with dyslexia read and spell.
Teaches five areas of reading (phonemic awareness, word structure/phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension) plus spelling.
Is an Orton-Gillingham program that incorporates current reading and writing research and extensive experience teaching students with dyslexia.
Addresses phonology, morphology, and orthography in the teaching of the structure of the English language in a systematic, cumulative manner.
Uses multi-sensory techniques (visual, auditory, tactile, kinesthetic) to teach all concepts.
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See link: Wilson Language
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During the school year, students have regular appointments scheduled at the same time each week. During the summer, I will release a schedule with available appointment times, and parents may schedule their appointments according to their availability. I encourage students to increase the frequency of tutoring whenever possible during the summer months, as they often make rapid progress without the additional pressure of school.
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If you have other questions about Beyond Tutoring services, or wish to contact me regarding any of the professional services I provide, please feel free to send me an email at Paloma@beyondtutoringca.com or give me a call at 415-378-0827. I look forward to speaking with you.