"My 10 years as a reading specialist (grades k-3) in the Boston Public Schools were the most rewarding years of my career-despite 20 years as a classroom teacher. I remain determined to assist any struggling young reader who desires to become a lifetime member of "the literacy club". Being literate empowers and opens up worlds of knowledge and enjoyment. Illiteracy handicaps and limits opportunities. Literacy opens doors and widens horizons. I believe I was placed on this earth to help every youngster who wants desperately to read but can't seem to get a solid launch. Reading is not simply calling words or sounding out. Reading involves understanding what you read. It's a two part process. You decode with the endpoint always being to make meaning. I also strive to engage students so that they fall in love with books !!

I begin with a thorough assessment in five literacy areas including writing. I assess various aspects of decoding as well as comprehending. I then develop a blueprint for instruction based on that assessment. I use real books, not worksheets as the reader develops his/her skill. From the outset of instruction, I encourage independence and enjoyment of the reading act. You learn to read by reading, so there is lots of rereading. I have both worked with hundreds of young struggling readers and assisted K-3 classroom teachers acquire strategies for helping their non-readers. Success stories are plentiful and move me to tears when I think about all the young learners whose literacy was launched. Anna, a six year old entered first grade knowing only 2 letters, a and o. Sixteen weeks later she was reading on grade level! Benita, a second language learner, began in September, painfully shy and reticent. In December, she was confidently reading on grade level to any one would listen to her! Research-based methods used with students were learned from a renowned New Zealand researcher, the late Dr. Marie Clay. My former professor and mentor, Dr. Irene Fountas, is a co- author of the Benchmark Assessmen" less...