What is Dyslexia?

According to the International Dyslexia Association, dyslexia is defined as:

“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin.  It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities.  These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities….secondary consequences may include problems with reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.” (Lyon, Shaywitz, & Shaywitz, 2003, p. 2)

Research shows that one in five students are dyslexic.

Meet our Therapist

Licensed Dyslexia Therapist, Cindy Prewitt holds a B.S. and M.Ed. from Mississippi State University in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Reading.  She holds a second M.Ed. from Mississippi College in Dyslexia therapy.  Mrs. Prewitt has over 35 years of experience in teaching reading, literacy, and curriculum instruction.

Mrs. Prewitt saw a need for Dyslexia Therapy in the Golden Triangle after her own child was diagnosed with Dyslexia. She pursued licensure in the Dyslexia Therapy program in order to provide support to students and families through application of theory, research, methodologies, and applied techniques.

How does the Dyslexia Therapy Program work at ACS?

*The Dyslexia Therapy Program is available to students First through Fifth grades with a formal diagnosis of dyslexia or dysgraphia.

     Approach

• Use of a multi-sensory approach (visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic) allows students to process information using a variety of senses often times simultaneously. This helps the student develop sensory memories in order to learn and apply concepts.
• Explicit, direct instruction that is structured and sequential which mimics the students’ needs, ability level, and indicators of progress.
• Intensive, highly concentrated instruction which maximizes student engagement, and uses specialized practices and materials.

• Students will receive four, 45-minute sessions each week which follow the Orton-Gillingham approach and incorporates specific classroom curriculum and objectives.
• Sessions will take place individually or in a small group of no more than four students, all of whom must be in the same grade.

• Professional Development will be consistently provided to ACS staff on methods and strategies to incorporate into classroom instruction. Through this professional development, ACS teachers will be better suited to maximize the talents of dyslexic students.
• The Dyslexia Therapist will collaborate with classroom teachers based on the need of the student to identify appropriate accommodations.
• Mrs. Prewitt will provide all ACS students an age-appropriate presentation on the special abilities and unique learning preferences of dyslexic students.

• This program is only offered to enrolled students at Annunciation Catholic School.
• A formal diagnosis of dyslexia and/or dysgraphia is required for acceptance into this program.
• Students will be assessed for baseline data.
• An additional fee is associated with this program that is not included in the annual tuition.
• Space is limited.

Testimonial

“After six months of therapy with Mrs. Prewitt, I can already see a tremendous improvement in my child’s reading skills. Not only is Mrs. Prewitt a blessing to my daughter, she has been instrumental in guiding me through this journey and has given me resources on how to navigate this diagnosis. Mrs. Prewitt’s patience, credentials, and knowledge are unmatched."  -ACS parent

"Our family is beyond thankful to ACS staff for their continued diligence and especially for their Dyslexia Program. It has only been a few months of our Kindergartner participating in the program and the growth is truly amazing. We have had tremendous amounts of literature, explanation, tools, etc. provided to us throughout this process to help better understand Dyslexia as a whole and help our child succeed. With this academic growth, the confidence seen in our child and increased excitement to learn is what we love most!"  -ACS parent

"We chose ACS for the reasons most families do - a safe Christian environment, stellar academics, and the desire for my children to benefit from the culture they cultivate. However, it wasn't until our eldest child's Dyslexia diagnosis, that we understood why God led us to this school. Our smart baby was falling behind, but this little school rallied around her and our family. They caught her dyslexia early and immediately began steps to intervene. After only one year in the Dyslexia Program, she is thriving! Her STAR tests reflect her growth. Before starting the program, she was reading a grade level behind, but now she is reading a grade level AHEAD of where she needs to be. Most importantly, she has gained confidence in herself and her school work is now a reflection of how brilliant she is. I'm very proud to be a part of the Dyslexia family at ACS and am grateful this program exists in our small community so children like mine can flourish. Join this program and you will realize instead of a disability, Dyslexia truly is a super power!!"  -ACS parent, Heather McGee