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I have worked at Reading Horizons for over a year now, and to say the least, the past few months have changed my perspective on a few things. I now strongly believe that the primary focus of every school and government entity should be to create and sustain an effective literacy program for all children. I’ve heard too many stories and read too many statistics to doubt the importance of literacy for each and every person.
One of the most striking statistics that resonates with me is that “up to 80% of incarcerated individuals are functionally illiterate.” What a tragic commentary. Yet, it makes a lot of sense.
Reading Horizons has released a series of videos that highlights a few individuals who have struggled with reading from childhood through adulthood. One of the most touching stories is about a young man who recently graduated from high school. In the video he talks about all of the gimmicks and tricks he used throughout his school years so that he could get out of reading. He became the school troublemaker and then got involved in various sports programs so that he could miss as much reading and English as possible. He hated school and his biggest fear was, and is, that he'll be asked to read.
Hearing his story made me think of the 80% incarceration statistic. I can now see how struggling in school could lead students to seek acceptance and a sense of belonging in other ways... some of which are destructive. Naturally, struggling readers and students are going to face social challenges when pitted against students who are thriving in the same classroom. I am humbled by the thought that we can save so many children, and adults, from embarrassment and heartache by a simple methodology developed by a passionate educator.
So, as we pause to express thanks for our abundance we also gratefully acknowledge, Charlotte Lockhart, the original author of the curriculum that has helped so many struggling readers overcome their challenges.
Watch this video of our company president, Tyson Smith, discussing the first time he met the indomitable Charlotte Lockhart:
I also couldn’t resist asking our curriculum director, Heidi Hyte, to share her thoughts about Charlotte Lockhart. I have heard both Heidi and our dyslexia specialist, Shantell Berrett, talk about their reverence for this woman. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard them say: “How did she know this would work!” Both Heidi and Shantell say that contemporary research is discovering what Charlotte learned so long ago. They are simply amazed by her foresight and determination.
Have a look at this footage as Heidi recalls how she has seen Charlotte Lockhart’s method change the lives of both teachers and students:
As I’ve learned more about Charlotte Lockhart’s curriculum I, too, am amazed! As I look over the manuals and materials that she created, I can easily see the simplicity of her methods. Students can learn to read. It is never too late.
Charlotte Lockhart passed away a few years ago but, undoubtedly, her momentum continues to change lives for good!
To learn more about the effective reading curriculum that Lockhart dedicated her life to creating, visit: http://www.readinghorizons.com/method/index.aspx