The Pratt Program: Learning Support Center

The Pratt Program: A Supportive Learning Environment for Capable Students with Learning Differences

The Pratt Program is a learning support center that meets the specific needs of capable students, in grades K-12, who have language-based learning difficulties such as dyslexia. We also offer targeted, small group math intervention for students in grades 1-5.. Using evidence-based intervention and encouraging high academic achievement, the program’s effectiveness is well established. Program graduates continue their education successfully at Bishop Walsh, through college and career. 
 
 According to the International Dyslexia Association, “Dyslexia is a difficulty with language. For people with dyslexia, intelligence is not the problem. The problem is language.” We strive to help students recognize their strengths and abilities, and to learn to advocate for their needs. 
 
Students with dyslexia receive intensive, individualized instruction in reading and writing with educators trained in Orton-Gillingham--a systematic, multisensory, structured literacy reading remediation approach. Students become competent, confident readers through engaging lessons addressing phonemic awareness, decoding, spelling, fluency, morphology, and written language.


Program Features

  • All members of the Pratt Team are trained in Bowman's Orton-Gillingham "Plus", a 60-hour course accredited by the International Dyslexia Association
  • Individually tailored, one-on-one Orton-Gillingham lessons for reading, writing, and spelling
  • Supplemental reading and spelling practice with OgStar Reading app
  • Small-group math intervention grades 1-5 that aligns with grade-level material
  • Concurrent with regular academic curriculum
  • Ongoing collaboration with classroom teachers and parents
  • Appropriate classroom accommodations e.g. text-to-speech and speech-to-text

FAQs

What students will benefit from the Pratt Program?
Students in grades K-12 with language-based learning differences such as dyslexia
 
How does a student qualify to participate in the Pratt Program?
We screen all kindergarteners and new students with reported reading difficulties and make decisions based on assessment results. Parents and/or teachers may also recommend students for evaluation which may reveal a need for intervention.
 
How does scheduling work?  
Intervention lessons are part of the school day, and all students remain enrolled in the regular academic program. Intervention teachers work with classroom teachers to schedule lessons during times that work best for the students. 
 
How often are the lessons and how long are students in the program?
Students may have from 1-5 lessons per week, depending on need. Students progress at individual rates and graduate from the program when their reading and writing skills are proficient.
 
Do students receive classroom accommodations?
Classroom accommodations are based on results and recommendations of formal neuropsychological or medical evaluations.
 
What about support for classroom teachers and parents? 
Teachers in grades K-5 have all been trained in Orton-Gillingham allowing them to identify students at risk, work in tandem with the intervention teachers, and support students in the classroom setting. School faculty receive professional development to increase awareness of learning differences and improve strategies for accommodating students. The Pratt Program offers workshops for parents and the community to address the needs of families with students who learn differently.

Testimonials

"Being able to identify the reason for the continued frustration is a blessing. It has allowed our child to truly shine!" - Elementary parent

"Our son has made amazing progress... he received First Honors on his Fall report card and we couldn't be prouder or happier for him because now he knows he can do it!" - Middle school parent

"Our daughter had struggled with reading and most of her subjects...and after only a short time, she is reading with confidence and pride!" - High school parent

Read this article about Quincy Redmon, BW class of 2013, and his success overcoming dyslexia.

Staff

Director: Stephanie Pratt, M.Ed., Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist, CERI
Assistant Director: Cathy Levitas, M.Ed., Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher, CERI
Math Intervention: Merideth Nagle, M.A.,  Dyscalculia Tutor
Speech Language Pathologist: Maggie Drew
Orton-Gillingham Interventionists:
Beverly Class
Kim Kremer
Merideth Nagle
Heather Sites
Brandi Troutman
 
Advisory Panel: Dr. Sue Nuber, Pediatrician; Dr. George Brown, Reading Specialist;  Mr. Brian Gracie, Founder, Heritage Financial Consultants