I just read an interesting case study on a year six boy, Ben, who was diagnosed as ‘legally illiterate’ illeterate in year six. Ben read at the same level as the average student entering primary school.
An ILP (individual learning plan) was developed to help Ben improve his reading skills. Methods used within the ILP benefited and influenced not only Ben, but other class members as well. The main techniques used to improve his skills were peer tutoring within the classroom (where more advanced readers helped their less advanced reading peers, this benefited not only those being tutored, but also those tutoring), ability based reading groups (established reading groups of readers at the same literacy level, suitable texts were then chosen for each group, these groups prevented students from feeling excluded from their peers and from feeling stupid), adapted learning tasks (for example, choice was often given in assessment tasks allowing poor writers to present their findings and work using visual images, drama, etc) and visual timetables and prompts and consistent routines (allowing Ben to feel comfortable in his environment and easily adjust to any changes). Ben also received individual coaching to help him with his literacy skills. In just six months, Bens reading skills had risen to those of an average year three student!
I found this case study not only interesting, but also inspirational. Bens reading skills improved a great deal over a short period of time and the measures used by his teacher where not exceptionally hard to administer. I think the strategies used would have not only helped to improve Ben’s literacy skills, but also other skills, such as communication and social. I think the social nature of these strategies also allows information to be placed into a communicative situation, allowing different ideas to be discussed and explored allowing for deeper learning to occur. I think case studies like this can not only provide inspiration for teachers, but also give teachers ideas for ways they can help struggling students within their own classrooms.
I wonder if these strategies, if implemented in his classrooms, would have helped Don to improve his literacy skills?