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Explanation of SOS
The SOS Reading Approach is the creation of reading specialists
who have made their life's work from helping children of all ability
levels to learn to read. A research-based basic reading framework,
SOS targets young children beginning with kindergarteners, and
places special emphasis on children who qualify for early
intervention programs such as Title I, EIP and ESOL.
The SOS Reading Approach is a proven system that
provides the
targeted instruction that children need to master fluent reading
comprehension skills. The framework has components designed
specifically for schools, teachers and parents:
For Schools
The SOS Reading Approach works with schools and teachers to
ensure they have the skills and resources to help their students
become proficient readers. Teachers develop lessons to appeal
to their students using existing curriculum and resources already
in their classrooms.
For Teachers
The SOS Reading Approach provides ongoing education for
educators using the framework. We facilitate workshops for
teachers and post-secondary education students, and speak at
conferences for educators and legislators.
For Parents
SOS Reading Approach instructors are certified teachers who
work one-on-one to help each child master the skills they need
to become proficient readers. The system is sequential and
concentrates on areas of deficiency, so each student masters
a roster of skills before progressing.
Philosophy
of SOS
The SOS Reading Approach is based on the belief that every
student deserves the opportunity to become a successful and
life-long learner. All learning stems from literacy, and reading
comprehension is the core of all subject knowledge.
We believe that every child can become a good reader.
The
SOS Reading Approach gives students the opportunity to learn
by helping teachers to offer activities that address their
students’ educational needs and learning styles.
Benefits
of SOS
The SOS Reading Approach understands that an urgent need
exists for children to become proficient readers. We provide
services that benefit everyone involved in answering that need:
Benefits for Schools: The SOS Reading Approach is the most
cost-effective way for schools to provide the training, tools and
support their teachers and students need to meet reading goals.
The annual fee for a school using SOS is less than half of the
cost of a full-time reading specialist. By maximizing financial
resources, a school has the potential to acquire additional
services and resources for its faculty, staff and students.
Benefits for Educators: Because the SOS Reading
Approach is
not scripted, teachers can craft lessons that will develop their
students' reading skills most effectively. This customization
ensures that children master required reading fluency, enabling
teachers and schools to meet goals set by the school district,
state government and federal government.
Benefits for Children: No single curriculum can teach every
child
to read. The SOS Reading Approach works because it follows a
logical progression of acquiring reading fluency that begins with
identifying each child's specific area of deficiency. The framework
involves teachers and parents in the process of developing the
needed skills.
FAQ
When was the SOS Reading Approach developed?
The idea for the SOS Reading Approach was established in 1995,
and the program was launched in 2003, after a careful development
and testing process.
Who is behind the SOS Reading Approach?
Reading specialist Margaret Stewart formed the concept for the
SOS Reading Approach and has partnered with non-profit executive
Wendy Stewart in the development process. The framework is
based on research, classroom experience and attention to the
varied needs of students.
How was the SOS Reading Approach developed?
As a graduate student teaching on a Native American reservation,
Margaret Stewart discovered that the language arts curriculum
provided by the state did not meet the needs of her students,
especially those who were struggling. As a result of her discovery,
Margaret began to research and develop a reading framework that
could help any child learn to read.
She created the sequential reading program to be adapted to meet
the learning needs and styles of all students. Margaret's students
achieved such success through the framework that other teachers
began to inquire about the process. Since then, years of research,
field experience and collaboration with other teachers have
contributed to the SOS Reading Approach, which is now meeting the
needs of many struggling readers.
Why should I use the SOS Reading Approach?
Developed by reading specialists who have made their life's work
from teaching struggling readers to read, SOS Reading Approach is
a proven method. The framework was designed to help students
master a sequence of skills needed for reading fluency, ensuring
they are able to read with the degree of comprehension necessary
for ongoing learning.
Why is SOS Reading Approach different from other reading
curriculums?
SOS Reading Approach is not a curriculum. No single curriculum can
teach every child to read, because learning to read is not a natural
process for many children. Instead, the SOS Reading Approach
follows a logical progression to help students develop the skills
they
must possess to become fluent readers.
How does SOS Reading Approach work?
The SOS Reading Approach allows teachers to select lessons from
their curriculum that apply to beginning reading skills. The SOS
system is sequential, making sure students master a sequence of
skills before progressing to the next level. This process creates
consistency within each grade level and continuity across grade
levels.
Why is SOS Reading Approach successful with schools and
teachers?
Because the SOS Reading Approach is not a scripted curriculum, it
enables teachers to infuse creativity in their lessons. This freedom
helps teachers to guide each student to reading fluency. The SOS
Reading Approach also provides support throughout the school year,
making certain that the school, teachers and parents have whatever
resources needed to ensure the reading success of their students.
Is SOS Reading Approach proven?
Yes. Since 1995, the SOS Reading Approach has enabled many
students to develop the skills needed to be fluent readers. Numerous
children, including those eligible for EIP, ESOL and Title I have
demonstrated their mastery of reading skills by passing CRCT,
increasing testing scores by at least a grade level, and
demonstrating ability to apply skills to real-life material.
How can I contact someone to learn more about the SOS
Reading Approach?
For more information about the SOS Reading Approach, please
contact us via e-mail at info@sosreadingapproach.com or phone
at 404-550-3726.
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