Local students receive the gift of literacy

January 24, 2008 - Eight students from New Bedford's Lincoln school graduated on Thursday, January 24, from a unique ten week reading program offered at ASSETS, Inc in New Bedford. Students received gifts donated by a local citizen, valued at $100 per student, which included specially selected books, gift certificates to Baker Books and Barnes & Noble, as well as an electronic thesaurus. Each student also received a gift certificate for pizza donated by Domino's owner Nelson Hockert-Lotz.

Jean Des Roches, founder and president of Assistive School System Educational Technology Services (ASSETS), presented the awards to the students with parents, grandparents and friends in attendance. Standing in front of a poster showing the scores of the students before and after the program Ms. Des Roches spoke about the hard work and success of the students.

"Each of these students worked very hard during this 30 hour program. Of the 8 students, 7 have made significant progress and the 8th has incomplete data and is scheduled to complete the program over the next couple of weeks."

Using special software installed on computers in the assistive technology lab at 256 Union Street in New Bedford the students worked diligently to achieve their goals. Students were evaluated using My Reading Coach software to determine their baseline in a variety of literacy skills. The program was then used to help them learn to read, evaluating needs and progress throughout.

"One of the beautiful things about this program is the ability to obtain objective data on progress at any time during the program", stated Des Roches. " The results for this group of kids is amazing and demonstrates that learning to read can be fun and effective, even for those kids who may be having a bit of difficulty"

The students chosen for the project were identified by Jo-Anne Mello Hodgson, Lincoln School principal, on the recommendation of their teachers.

Jo-Anne states: "I can tell you that this program really sparked some of the students. Not only have we seen an improvement in their skills, but a real growth in their level of confidence."

Students involved in the program were working below grade level in grades 2-5. Each showed improvement in the class, with a few showing extraordinary results. One student came into the program reading below his fourth grade level. He finished the program reading at the 8th grade level. Six of the eight students finished above grade level, one was brought up to grade level and the 8th student's testing remains incomplete at this writing.

Hannah Ouellette's mother had nothing but praise for the program. "My daughter was a year and a half behind in reading. We tried everything. Getting her to sit and read with us, or alone, was torture." Recently, Hannah said to her mom, "I'm going to go read a book in my room".

Mrs. Ouellette described that moment as priceless.

This reading program was made possible from monies received through Greater New Bedford Community Development block grant. Ms. Des Roches is hopeful that the success of this program will be a springboard for funding of future programs to help those kids who are having trouble in reading.

"There are so many more of our kids out there who are struggling with reading" she explained. "And not only children, but all age groups. This program is just as successful with young adults who need better literacy skills to get into college. Many students who could go on to higher education are held back by poor reading and fluency skills. This program also has the ability to gear its lessons in a specific order geared toward ESL (English as a Second Language) students.

We would love to have the resources to help each and every one of them become good readers. We are seeking to work together with other organizations, public schools and institutions of higher education to expand this proven and incredible program to every one in need."

ASSETS, a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) non-profit organization relies on grant monies and donations to provide many of their services. ASSETS' uses assistive technology to help level the playing field for individuals with physical, intellectual and other challenges, assisting them in reaching their maximum level of functioning and independence. This ranges from solutions such as switches and controls for people who are paralyzed, to software to help kids read and overcome other intellectual challenges. "It is great to see people's faces light up when new worlds open up to them that they never could have imagined" Des Roches said with a smile.

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Parent's Comments on the My Reading Coach program

1. "The reading program has been wonderful for my two daughters. They have improved a lot in reading. I'm very thankful for this program and to Mrs. Des Roches." Anna Amaral
2. "The reading program has been a wonderful process for my son. He actually enjoys reading now. He would get frustrated with reading and give up. Since he started this program I have noticed the enjoyment in him when he picks up a book. Thank you to Mrs. Des Roches for the opportunity and time she invests with each child." Paula Pinaretta
3. "The reading program has been a blessing for David as his reading has really improved. He was struggling with reading and his comprehension has also improved. A great program." Terri Mills
4. "This reading program was a great thing for Brandon Pinaretta, I the grandmother, had to bring him every class and see how happy he was here and how great he did. Great, great, program." D. Paiva
5. "Having our son Kellen Barcellos in this program has given him the confidence he needs to read proudly. We greatly appreciate everything this program has done. Thank you". Bonnie.
6. "Our family is very thankful that Kellen had the opportunity to become part of this program. Since the program he has succeeded with great pride. I recommend this program proudly" (not signed)
7. "My daughter was 1.5 years in reading. We tried everything. Getting her to sit and read either alone or with us was torture. When we were offered a lot for her at ASSETS, we were happy to get the extra help. But getting involved in bringing her, and watching her light bulb go off and hearing her say " Mom, I'm going to read a book in my room" was priceless. Keeping in touch with her teacher and her teachers noticing the improving, made us feel so much better. Thank you for that. Many children will definitely profit from this program. We liked the program so much that we are on the process of purchasing a computer and buying the program for our children to do at home.

I also had the pleasure of bringing another student to ASSETS, who had no transportation because mom worked. He said to me he never read a book, he pretended and made it look good. But he recently read a small book by himself and found it easier to read and he knew it was because of this program. Once again thank you!

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