You can lead them to water, but you can’t make them drink

GUEST BLOG BY LINDA SOEHNER, SPECIAL ED TEACHER

I have a tool that will improve the quality of education. I can teach students how to read where schools have failed.

I have written a program (Everyone’s a Reader), and have set up a non-profit charity (Reading Rescue Ontario). We teach 30 students a week. Ninety-nine percent of these students learn how to read at their grade level.

This program is also in many schools, both in Grey and Bruce counties, and elsewhere. Programs in the schools are set up with volunteers whom we trained, and they are overseen by a qualified teacher.

My local school, Beavercrest in Markdale, went from a “turn-around” school to a “lighthouse” school in about two years. Behaviour problems and bullying went down, while self esteem and good behaviour increased.

The Ministry of Education came to visit the school and saw the program. It suggested in its “Guidelines” that schools use community resources. It did not recommend the program any further.

Bluewater School Board does not recognize this program, even though it is used in the majority of its schools.

I have written to the Toronto and Upper Grand school boards and did not get a reply.

The cost of the program is $300, and the training is free (expenses only). I know this program works and can help thousands of students. I am frustrated that educational institutions are not even willing to investigate the possibilities. Communities must become involved in the education of their young people. They must volunteer for programs like this one.

Can you help me?

Linda Soehner, BA, MEd, 519-794-4745, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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