Statistical reports indicate that 1.2 million students in the USA are high school dropouts and that 2.7 million public school students nationwide have been identified as learning disabled. Fifty percent of all dropouts come from inner city public schools where twenty-five percent are learning disabled. For years educators have been in search of the right reading approach, one that would meet the needs of all children. Since the early 1900’s we have switched from a sight approach, to a phonetic approach, linguistic, whole language, integrated, and now, a researched based, balanced approach. The No Child Left Behind Act has set a goal that by 2014, all children in the United States are to be proficient in reading. The dilemma lies in how this is to be accomplished even with this improved balanced approach.
Educational specialist, Addie Cusimano, shares her findings in this new second edition of her book entitled, Learning Disabilities: There is a Cure which is based on her research, work and success with students from pre-school to college age, from learning disabled to gifted. Her premise is that all children from kindergarten to grade three should be taught specific learning skills, skills that are not a part of most basic elementary curriculums. Ms. Cusimano presents her answers to the No Child Left Behind Act and Race to the Top, discusses the importance of including the formal teaching of specific learning skills, and the best approach and techniques for the teaching of basic skills and learning skills. Her recommended teaching strategies, proven to be highly beneficial for all students, produce a dramatic effect in helping students to succeed academically. This revised second edition includes two new chapters, the teaching of foreign languages and mathematics as well as updated details on the teaching of reading.
Written in an easy to read format, Ms. Cusimano book provides solutions for educators, parents and professionals while offering a refreshing and assured method for the solution to America’s serious academic concerns
