Category: Wilson Reading

2019 Spring Testing Results

We were fortunate enough to receive another grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) for the 2018-2019 school year. DGLF generously helps out schools and non-profits that target literacy, especially, below grade level readers, readers with learning disabilities, and students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

Our goal is to achieve an increase in reading level of at least half a year, ideally a full year. It is not uncommon for many of our students to have seen no success with reading for 2-3 years before enrolling, so exactly when we see, and how much, improvement will vary from student to student.

We are proud to say that for yet another year, our graduates have all exceeded functional literacy levels, with each showing significant improvement on their initial scores.

Overall Reading Test ~ Average gain: 1.3 grade levels

  • 78% of students met the minimum 0.5 goal
  • 50% of students saw at least a 1 year gain
  • 16% of students saw at least a 2 year gain
  • Highest overall gain: 5.7 years
  • 97% of students met the minimum goal on at least one subtest!
  • 90% of students gained 1 year or more on at least one of the subtests
  • 41% gained at least 1 year on 2 or more subtests
  • Almost half of our students are very close to grade level, or higher

As usual, the biggest gains were seen on the Passage Comprehension section, which we consider the most important test!

Average gain: 2.2 grade levels

  • 75% of students met the minimum goal
  • 60% saw at least a 1 year gain
  • 25% saw more than a 2 year gain
  • 22% saw more than a 3 year gain

Overall Math Test ~ Average gain: 1 grade level

  • 25% of students saw at least a 1 year gain in math
  • 10% saw at least a 2 year gain!
  • ⅔ of students increased by greater than 1 year on at least one subtest
  • ⅓ of students increased by more than 2 years on at least one subtest

Congratulations everyone on a job well done!

BCS receives Dollar General Literacy Foundation Grant

Acworth, GA. (August 28, 2018)  – Brookwood Christian School (BCS) is pleased to announce it has received a grant of $3,000 from Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF). This is the second grant DGLF has awarded us .  These funds will support BCS’s “Get Them Reading” program which uses Wilson Reading® and Fast ForWord® programs.

Wilson Reading System® (WRS®), based on Orton-Gillingham methods, is for grades 2-12 students, and adults. who have word-level deficits and have not internalized the sound/symbol system for reading and spelling.  They may have decoding and spelling deficits, a language-based learning disability, been unsuccessful with other reading programs

Fast ForWord® (FF®) focuses on improving phonological awareness for students receiving special education services, including: Dyslexia, Specific learning disability, ADD/ADHD, auditory processing disorder, specific language impairment, etc. It is used to strengthen the skills of memory, attention, processing rate, and sequencing for children with a broad range of reading problems and other cognitive disorders

“We deeply appreciate this grant from Dollar General Literacy Foundation, which does so much to help schools like ours help their students attain full literacy,” said Tammy Urban, the Director of Development for BCS. “To be recognized by them for our work is such an honor.”

About Dollar General Literacy Foundation

J.L. Turner was functionally illiterate with only a third-grade education. His father died in an accident, and J.L. quit school so he could work on the family farm and help provide for his family. With hard work and determination, J.L. Turner went on to co-found Dollar General.

In 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation was established in his honor. We understand that life can present many obstacles, but we also know it’s never too late to learn! Like J.L., so many others desire to better their lives and the lives of their families and it’s in this spirit that the foundation has flourished.

“The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is proud to be an ardent supporter of schools, libraries and nonprofit literacy organizations,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s chief executive officer. “Dollar General’s mission is Serving Others, and this commitment comes to life through Dollar General Literacy Foundation grants that will impact thousands of students across the country. Since its inception 25 years ago, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has partnered with thousands of organizations focused on advancing the goals of literacy and education.”

To date, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $159 million in grants to schools, libraries and literacy organizations as part of its commitment to increase literacy skills for individuals of all ages.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation also supports customers interested in learning how to read, speak English or prepare for the high school equivalency test.  Customers may receive a referral to a local organization that offers free literacy services by clicking here or by picking up a brochure with a postage-paid reply card available at the cash register of every Dollar General store, which can be mailed in for information.

Full list of DGLF 2018 Youth Literacy Grant Recipients

About Brookwood Christian School

Brookwood Christian School is a private, non-profit, non-denominational Christian school that serves students who have not been successful in public or private schools due to their unique learning needs: individual or multiple learning disorders such dyslexia, reading & language processing disorders, auditory processing disorders, attention deficit disorder, neurological disorders, and other specific learning disabilities. Most of our operating budget comes from tuition payments augmented by the Georgia SB-10 scholarship program. Eighty-six percent of our students receive some sort of financial assistance. Grants like this help keep our operating costs and tuition low.

Media Contact:
Tammy Urban, Director of Development
Email: first.last@brookwoodchristian.com
Phone number: (678) 401-5855

Jan’s Story

Our story began when one of my twins was struggling to keep up with sight words in the first grade. She began to notice that other kids could remember a lot better than her, and she couldn’t keep up. She had been tested for ADHD through the school but fell into the classic school “umbrella” of what might be the problem.

It wasn’t until second grade when a very kind special ed teacher pulled me aside to let me know that Katie was a classic #dyslexic student and she needed more extensive services. I was then directed to Brookwood Christian. After her first week at her new school she declared “I’m never leaving”. For the first time she was acknowledged, understood and accepted for who she was and her abilities. Within the first month her stress rashes disappeared and she began to come into her own person.

It was shortly after Katie joined Brookwood that her twin Jessica was showing signs of struggling in several different areas at school. After having her tested, she fell under the “umbrella” but wasn’t getting what she needed. It was only after further testing that not only with her ADHD diagnosis, she also has an #AuditoryProcessingDisorder. Knowing what I did about Brookwood, it was the best choice for her as well.

Today they are thriving Freshmen who love not only school, but the family they have gained through our school. Brookwood Christian was the exact answer to lots of tears and prayers. Previous hours of homework struggles and the outbursts that accompany stressed out kids became the past.

I love Brookwood for not only the learning environment, but the extent that each staff member cares for the children’s personal well being. We feel like we have not only made friends for life, but family for life. It’s like coming home.

~Jan Murphy, Parent

The Amazon Smile donations augment the costs of the #WilsonReading and #FastForWord programs at Brookwood Christian School. So during this #SeasonOfSmiles, you can help support Brookwood Christian by shopping at: smile.amazon.com/ch/20-8499098

Mr. Kevin’s Story

When Kim first started BCS, I was more than a little nervous.  When she said she wanted to buy property and build, I was scared.  I was supportive, because I believed in her and knew it was what my daughter needed, but it wasn’t until I began working at the school in 2009 that I really understood.  It wasn’t about money or buildings or prestige.  It was about meeting kids where they are and really educating them.  

I have Dyslexia, and I struggled at first in school.  I had the support of a wonderful teacher and tutors to get me over the hump. What we have created here is a family that supports, encourages, and uplifts each other.  

~Kevin Wigington, Teacher

The Amazon Smile donations augment the costs of the #WilsonReading and #FastForWord programs at Brookwood Christian School. So during this #SeasonOfSmiles, you can help support Brookwood Christian by shopping at: smile.amazon.com/ch/20-8499098

Ms. Kim’s Story

I have always been an educator since graduating from college in 1989. I had three degrees in education by the time my daughter was diagnosed with #dyslexia, and I had no idea what to do for her. I started to network, read, ask questions, study… anything I could do that would help my daughter learn to read. She was a good sport as I drove her from appointment to appointment day by day.

Private school, a resource teacher, tutoring, vision therapy, and occupational therapy was going to cost $40,000 per year. I couldn’t afford that, and she couldn’t learn without it! I realized I didn’t have the training to help her, but I could get it. We started to homeschool in November of her 2nd grade year. Within a week I was homeschooling 5 students around my kitchen table (which is now my desk at school).

In 2004 I had 18 students, so I took out a loan for $50,000, hired help, and rented a room from a church. In 2007 we outgrew that property. Brookwood Christian School became incorporated, and we bought our own property. Today BCS has outgrown our space again!

There is such a need in the community for kids who learn differently. In order to help more students, we are adding another building to the property to house our upper school. God is good.

~Kim Wigington, Headmaster

The Amazon Smile donations augment the costs of the #WilsonReading and #FastForWord programs at Brookwood Christian School. So during this #SeasonOfSmiles, you can help support Brookwood Christian by shopping at: smile.amazon.com/ch/20-8499098

Ms. Kristen’s Story

I was diagnosed with #dyslexia when I was 7. I remember always going to some kind of therapy or tutoring session. I felt like I was different or something was wrong with me.

With the Wilson Reading System, vision therapy, occupational therapy, and lots of other help, I was able to read on grade level. The first books I read on my own, just to enjoy them, were the Twilight series books. I was so proud of myself.

Today I am a lead teacher in a preschool Montessori classroom. In May 2018 I will graduate from Kennesaw State University. I hope to open my own Montessori school one day.

~ Kristen Wigington, BCS Graduate

The AmazonSmile donations augment the costs of the #WilsonReading and #FastForWord programs at Brookwood Christian School. So during this #SeasonOfSmiles, you can help support Brookwood Christian by shopping at: smile.amazon.com/ch/20-8499098

*EDIT: Since this post, Ms. Kristen is now a teacher at Brookwood Christian.

Charlotte’s Story

Brookwood Christian School changed my life. Being very #dyslexic, I have always struggled with reading. At Brookwood, I was taught the rules for the English language, rules that come naturally for most English speakers. I learned there are 9 different ways to make an ‘a’ sound and how to apply the rules so I can make the correct ‘a’ sound when reading.

Thank goodness I am very capable at Math. Learning to apply the Wilson Reading System increased my Math skills by giving me the ability to read word problems correctly, and then solve them. I credit Brookwood with my success at Chattahoochee Technical College where I am successfully studying Computer Engineering.

Thank you Brookwood Christian School for providing me with the tools to shape my future.

~Charlotte Smith, BCS Graduate

The Amazon Smile donations augment the costs of the #WilsonReading and #FastForWord programs at Brookwood Christian School. So during this #SeasonOfSmiles, you can help support Brookwood Christian by shopping at: smile.amazon.com/ch/20-8499098

November 25, 2017

Watch Mr. Kevin tell how Brookwood Christian helps students with #dyslexia. He teaches students with various reading levels and sees how our reading programs impact our students.

The Amazon Smile donations augment the costs of the #WilsonReading and#FastForWord programs at Brookwood Christian School. So during this#SeasonOfSmiles, you can help support Brookwood Christian by shopping at: smile.amazon.com/ch/20-8499098

~Kevin Wigington, Teacher

Mellie’s Story

The first book I ever had to read for a grade was “The Westing Game”. I read it in elementary school, and I still have no idea what it’s about, because I never actually read it. I couldn’t. I didn’t know how. It felt impossible to sound out any of the scrambled words on the page.

My teachers told me I was lazy, and that I could read it. They thought I was trying to get out of working, which wasn’t true. I worked harder trying to read that book than I ever had before. They made me feel ashamed of myself; even trying my hardest, I couldn’t read it. Everyone in my class thought I was stupid, and it was okay because the teachers did, too.

Then, I was diagnosed with #dyslexia, which led me to Brookwood Christian School. From the beginning, everyone was kind and understanding. Many students at Brookwood also have disabilities, so for the first time, I wasn’t alone.

The teachers are specially trained and willing to help struggling students and never belittle them for their differences. Some teachers even have their own disabilities that they have overcome. The amount that I improved during my first year at Brookwood was life changing. Before I began going there, I could barely read; now reading and writing are my favorite activities.

Brookwood encouraged me when I needed it most, and it still encourages me to this day to succeed even when all odds are against me.

~Mellie Finkel, Student

The Amazon Smile donations augment the costs of the #WilsonReading and #FastForWord programs at Brookwood Christian School. So during this #SeasonOfSmiles, you can help support Brookwood Christian by shopping at: smile.amazon.com/ch/20-8499098

*EDIT: Since this post, Mellie has graduated, is enrolled in college, and working part time at Brookwood Christian as an office assistant.