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THE PLAN & CURRICULUM
Coming Full Circle -- The Curriculum Connection
Our role in helping our clients is multi-faceted. Fortunately, tools exist today that allow us to diagnose specific needs of individuals, leading immediately to a specific remediation/therapy plan which deals directly with the identified problem areas. The core of our diagnostic testing is the appropriate form of the Structure of Intellect (SOI) Learning Abilities Test developed by Drs. Mary & Robert Meeker which looks at cognitive abilities. The results from the SOI instrument point out other possible problems as well, including possible focusing skills problems, sensory-motor dysfunction, and/or dyslexia.
We continue with the Integrated Practice Protocal Screening which gives us additional information. When necessary, we administer the TOVA, Test of Variables of Attention, to screen for impulsivity and ADD/ADHD. In addition, we screen for auditory skills indicators as well as multiple types of dyslexia. With results in hand, a history from the client, and also very important, our observations during testing, we become detectives. Can we diagnose from our results or do we have to refer out to other professionals . . . developmental optometrists, SIPT certified occupational therapists, medical doctors, psychiatrists, counselors, etc.? Sometimes we must refer out for additional diagnoses that are outside our level of expertise, training, and/or certification, but the majority of the time we can diagnose from our results. When all of the necessary information is compiled, we begin formulating a remediation and/or training/therapy plan.
A Plan? This is what sets BRAINTRAIN apart from so many traditional testing centers and makes our evaluation different from the traditional. We not only have test results, we have a plan. Our results generate an individualized training plan and our curriculum specialists design a plan that is prescriptive for the individual, and we take responsibility for administering that plan.
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If you choose this component, we can put together an individually designed, prescriptive, and sequenced plan based on the above test results for the parent(s) to follow through with at home. Curriculum is recommended based on each individual’s test results and outside interests. The balanced curriculum addresses any weaknesses the student has – both remediating the weaknesses for future purposes and utilizing curriculum that goes around the problem area for the present. The recommended materials are sequenced in the order they should be used. This also applies to strengths and/or areas in which the individual is gifted. Information will be provided for the parent as to where to purchase all materials. The parent is responsible for following through with the plan. The plan includes an initial conference which explains the plan and does minimal training. The conference usually runs around two hours in length. Call for current rates.
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Follow-Up to Home School Plan
Everyone hits roadblocks, and we absolutely want to provide the support necessary for parents to not just begin home schooling, but to continue it for as long as they desire. Parents who pay for a “Home School Plan” (above) are entitled to follow-up questions. Short, infrequent questions can be answered via e-mails. No phone calls please. If a parent needs more training or has detailed, extensive questions, they can request a session with one of our experts at our hourly rate. Call for current rates.
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Academic Tutoring for Home School Clients
We tutor students in multiple subject areas if they have been tested here. If there is a subject area you don’t feel comfortable with you may sign up for hourly tutoring at our hourly rate for the duration of that course. Call for current rates.
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Transcripts
There are always questions regarding transcripts or records. If you choose to home school your child, you are their school. In the state of Texas, home schools are considered private schools. What you are doing is legal. You are responsible for documenting the work your child does and being able to report what they have done. This includes keeping a transcript. Why do you need a transcript? A transcript is required in the following situations:
1. You choose to enroll your child in a public or private school. There are
no guarantees that another school will accept your transcript at face value.
Some schools (both public and private) are very home school friendly.
Others are not. They may require their own additional testing for
placement. This is their choice. However, usually more documentation means fewer problems in placement.
2. When your child graduates from high school they will need a transcript
to apply for college and/or scholarships. Some jobs require you to supply a transcript.
Just as it is legal for you to be home schooling, it is legal for you to produce your child’s transcript. There are computer programs that can be purchased for this purpose. Books are available, and some individuals hold workshops instructing parents on how to do this. You will not have any problems with a home school transcript if your child is qualified to attend a particular school. The great equalizers are standardized tests such as the ACT and/or SAT. Our experience has been that if an individual isn’t accepted it is not because they were home schooled; it is because they do not meet the criteria for admittance. Sometimes home schooled students have to go through an extra committee, but we know many who have gone on to major and selective colleges and universities and earned major scholarships. Diplomas are available through the Texas Home School Coalition.
Texas Home School Coalition
www.thsc.org
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Dyslexia Brain Mastery Program
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There are various types of dyslexia; therefore, one approach to all types would be inappropriate. At BRAINTRAIN, we first determine the type of dyslexia the individual is dealing with. This determination comes from test results and interviews/observations with the individual and/or a variety of people who may have worked with the individual (i.e. parents, teachers, tutors, etc.) A recommendation for treatment then follows. One of those recommendations is our Brain Mastery Program.
Using the assessments mentioned above, when it has been determined if the individual is what we call a "picture thinker," (i.e. processes information pictorially) we recommend this particular program. This ability to picture can be a great asset. Many jobs require this highly developed visualization ability. Unfortunately, some "picture thinkers" do not have pictures for every word -- specifically what are known as "sight words." This includes words such as: the, a, am, are, is could, should, were, to, of, etc. When reading, a "blank" occurs when these words are encountered. This blank is like a small glitch in the sequence of pictures being processed in the brain. It creates what could be called a "disorientation." Symptoms include but are not limited to: losing one's place when reading; inserting words; changing words, word reversals; letter reversals, etc. They are very similar to mistakes which occur because of visual perception problems, but in this case visual perception is not the cause.
Treatment consists of the individual becoming aware of his/her ability to visualize things; learning to control his/her visualization abilities; and mastering the symbols of the English language. For this type of dyslexia, this is translated as being able to visualize or picture the letters of the alphabet, as well as, sight words, which they do not have pictures for. This is done through various protocols, depending on age and educational needs. For example, this program has been completed utilizing a complete reading program for the non-reader, a grammar program, a study skills program, etc. The individual's reactions and input determine the protocol used.
The success of the dyslexia program depends on extended time being spent with the client. Awareness and control requires intense, constant, one-on-one experiences and communication with the client. We are then able to move on to the mastery portion of the program. Once we reach this, the program is set. Follow-up can be provided at our clinic, by the parent, and/or by a tutor of choice. We provide a notebook outlining exactly what to do and how to accomplish the goals. We are available for reassurance and questions for the duration of the program.
Dyslexia does not disappear; however, one can gain control over it and learn how to deal with it throughout his/her lifetime. This is our goal.
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