NILD Discovery

 

Where is it? What is it? I am not sure which one. What do I do?  What is the second step?

I don't know!  This doesn't make sense! Didn't' I do it right, I can't see what's wrong!

I don't know why!  I can't do it another way! I'm not sure what is relevant.  I give up!

I can't remember! I learned it yesterday!                  

 Are these questions or statements that your child often makes?

                 Does your child or someone you know face the challenge of learning difficulties or is a frustrated learner?  Do they try hard to learn or complete a task, but continually face failure?  The NILD (National Institute for Learning Development) Discovery Program can offer you an effective program.  This intense and integrative approach launches changes for a life time.  The program guides the learner toward effective learning skills in order to lessen the barriers that make reading, writing, spelling, math and problem solving difficult.

           Don't wait!  End the frustration.  Call Marjean Halverson, Discovery Program Coordinator at NCS, and/or read the following information about the program. 

 

Discovery Program

National Institute for Learning Development

 

 

 

Northside believes that each child has a unique role in God’s plan and is a special individual gifted by God for His divine purposes.  We believe God will use the educational therapy program to set the learner free as it states in Isaiah 61: 1-3 

 

Purpose:

·         To help students overcome academic difficulties this may be due to learning differences.

 

Definition:

·         A student who has an average to superior intelligence and who has specific deficits in perception and/or cognition.  They typically do not learn effectively by traditional instructional methods.

 

 Goal:

·         To help a student reach their highest potential in fulfilling God’s purpose and to effectively use his/her God given abilities. 

 

Design:

·         To help students realize their academic potential and stimulate their thinking processes in:

Ø  perceptual areas

Ø  cognition

Ø  processing speed – visual, visual-motor and auditory

Ø  working memory

Ø  fluency (speed and knowledge)

 

Classroom Characteristics:

·         A student who has difficulties in the following areas:

Ø  Reading / using symbols

Ø  Abstract thinking

Ø  Retaining or recalling information

Ø  Handwriting or using manipulatives

Ø  Listening skills

Ø  Spelling

Ø  Reading of words

Ø  Reading comprehension

Ø  Math skills

Ø  Oral / written expression

Ø  Reversals of letters, numbers or words

Ø  Confusion with left / right or other directions

 

 

 

Northside was introduced to the special program that was developed at the National Institute for Learning Development (NILD) in Norfolk, VA, in 1991.  Our school is a member of the NILD organization and our educational therapist continues to be updated in the area of Learning Disabilities by attending their annual conferences and courses.  The program includes NCS, home-school and public school students.  There is an additional cost for this program.

 

 

Discovery Program – Educational Therapy – NILD:

·         Non-tutorial: focus is to develop cognitive and perceptual weaknesses in order to promote independent and active learning

·         Individual and intense: schedule includes either two 80-minute or two 50-minute mediated sessions each week – during the school day or before/after school hours

·         26 techniques are tailored to the learner

·         Parental involvement: observation of therapy and monitoring of homework

·         Enrollment: annual contract; average enrollment in educational therapy is 3 to 5 years based on commitment of family and initiative of the student

 

Group Educational Therapy Program – NILD:

·         Group model: uses the same program as individual therapy

·         Student grouping: is based on similar strengths and deficits

 

Search and Teach Program – NILD:

·         Program based on early intervention (Kindergarten and 1^st Grade)

·         Individual and intense:  schedule includes two 30-minute sessions during the school day

·         Specialized techniques: to meet the educational needs of young learners before they experience frustration of learning failures

·         Focus: to develop foundational skills necessary for success in reading – visual memory, auditory sequential memory, directionality and motor skills

 

Benefits of the programs:

·         Individualized attention

·         Independent learning

·         Overcoming cognitive deficits

·         Long term change – academic and life skills

·         Improved social relationships

·         Improved academic skills

·         Improved problem solving skills

·         Development of flexibility in thinking

 

Assessment:

Northside does provide an academic testing battery.  The testing is a cost of $175 and takes 3 to 5 hours to complete.  The cost includes a written report and a conference to discuss the results.  If testing has already been administered, NCS is willing to use the information as part of the testing battery packet.

Questions or need further information: contact Marjean Halverson (763-755-3993)

·         Marjean Halverson – Northside Christian School NILD/Program Coordinator, M. Ed in Special Education, Minnesota State Teaching License: Elementary Education and Learning Disabilities, ACSI Certification in Elementary Education and Special Education, NILD Professional Certification, National Institute for Learning Development Instructor over 11 years and over 28 years teaching experience.

 

For more information about National Institute for Learning Development (NILD) – Discovery Program contact their web-site at: www.nild.net