Rachel’s Story

 

Rachel at ten was put in an EMR class with an unqualified teacher.  After kicking the teacher she was charged with assault, put in jail and kicked out of school, unable to read or write or do more than single digit adding.  Her mother came to me and said I was her last resort; otherwise she would have to be put in an institution.

 

Not knowing what I might be getting myself into I took on the challenge.  Working closely with Rachel and her mother, we kept a strict policy with her and getting her work done.  Using some proven home school materials, such as Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, I had her reading on close to a second grade level by midyear.  Her math and writing progressed also, so that by the end of the year she was between a second and third grade level in reading, writing, and math.  She also had much more confidence and self-esteem.

 

I also believe that No child should be left behind.  I have seen many miracles in education that with the right methods and tools to work with, all children can learn despite their family background.

 

Rachel’s younger sister was also having problems with reading, and I told Rachel to take the book and work with her.  To mine and her mother’s amazement, her sister’s teacher sent a letter home praising the improvement in her sister’s reading, and commending whoever was working with her. 

 

Rachel did have some emotional disabilities but she was still teachable, and according to her mother she is doing fine in school now and spends half the time in regular classroom.  NO CHILD SHOULD BE LEFT BEHIND.