MARY DREW
Learning Beyond the Classroom
I am a licensed teacher with specialized training, offering one-on-one tutoring. My practice is virtual, connecting with students from anywhere through video conferencing. Since 1989, I’ve been teaching students who struggle with math, reading, and writing. Research based, sequential, explicit, data driven lessons will help your child find academic success.
ALL ABOUT ME
Offering individualized one-on-one tutoring in reading and math intervention.
I am a proud 1992 University of Oregon College of Education graduate. My specialization is in reading, spelling, writing and math development and remediation. I have advanced training in Direct Instruction, which is diagnostic, explicit, sequential, and data-driven. I worked for and was mentored by Siegfried Engelmann, the inventor of Direct Instruction, an internationally known authority on developmental reading, intervention and remediation. I have specialized training and 30 years of experience in teaching learners with Dyslexia, learning disabilities, and struggling learners.
As a diagnostician, I carefully identify and address the root of the learning difficulties by filling the gaps with prescriptive curriculum. Because student motivation is the key to academic success, I utilize student goal setting to engage the learner, as they monitor their own progress and celebrate each goal attained. The use of self-assessment rubrics encourage students to become self-reflective, as I guide students to use meta-cognitive strategies when faced with learning new concepts. It is my great joy to partner with families to help discover new paths to academic success.
MY SERVICES
Promising Personalized Instruction Every Step of the Way
READING
I custom tailor the curriculum to the learner. I use explicit, phonics based, data driven Direct Instruction methods. I address all critical components of literacy: phonemic awareness, decoding/phonics, fluency, vocabulary, written expression, spelling and comprehension. I use multi-sensory instruction to enhance learning. Orton-Gillingham based Phonics First, Really Great Reading, Reading Mastery, and DISTAR are curriculum options, depending upon student instructional needs.
Specialization: K-12, adults, & dyslexia.
Screening: Easy CBM, Rapid Automatic Naming Screener, CORE assessments in vocabulary, fluency, phonics and raw writing analysis. Ongoing assessment is used to check skills mastery and to drive instruction.
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WRITING
Writing is a process related to reading and a reflection of reading ability. It is taught in conjunction with reading. Handwriting is essential, as it opens another neural pathway for the brain to process language. I teach writing sequentially, with an emphasis on proper letter formation and word writing based on a phonological foundation. Sentence writing leads to complete paragraphs. Essay forms can then be explored successfully. Vocabulary, morphology, grammar, conventions and exploring rich language are taught as part of a comprehensive writing program.
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Specialization: K-12, struggling college writers.
Ongoing raw writing assessment helps to target instructional needs and monitor the progress of writing goals.
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SPELLING
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Reading (decoding) is directly related to spelling (encoding) and are taught in conjunction. I use Sequential Spelling curriculum, which utilizes a chaining method and teaches word families and related sound spelling patterns. Each spelling lesson teaches phonics. The program is multi-sensory, utilizes sound-symbol associations, word families, syllabication and morphology. Spelling words are used in sentences to help build vocabulary. Spelling lists are carefully sequenced to build on previously taught spelling patterns. Sequential spelling reinforces reading and writing and is an Orton-Gillingham based approach.
MATH
Math can be frustrating for many students because it is heavily dependent upon skill-building. One small gap in early skills can make more complex math concepts feel impossible. Effective math remediation should reduce anxiety caused by math confusion. My method is a hands-on approach to learning math. I start with diagnostic testing to find the holes in math concepts to custom tailor math instruction. The use of math manipulatives enable students to see and feel math concepts. Curriculum choice is based on need, but options are Math-U-See Intervention, Teaching Textbooks (for math facts), Touch Math, and Camelot Learning Math Intervention.
K-8 specialization: struggling math learners, dyscalculia.
Curriculum options have built in assessments.
ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS
Much can be accomplished in a one-on-one setting. My lessons are as fast-paced as they can be to maximize motivation, yet slow enough to ensure learning skills to mastery. Each lesson is data-driven and ongoing assessment monitors skill acquisition. Skills are practiced until 100% mastery, as the foundation is made firm, while new skills are being introduced.
EDUCATION CONSULTING AND SUPPORT
Families and education professionals working together is the formula for student success! I will attend IEP meetings, communicate with classroom teachers, review school testing and explain IEP goals. I will problem solve to come up with workable and efficient solutions to academic issues and will send weekly reports to your school professionals of your choice. Dealing with learning difficulties can be an emotionally exhausting process. I will help partner with your school professionals to work as a harmonious team.
CONTACT ME
RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
Reading Rockets is a national multimedia project that offers evidence-based reading strategies, lessons, and activities designed to help young children learn how to read and read better. The resources are designed to assist parents, teachers, and other educators in helping struggling readers build fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
Understood.org is dedicated to supporting families and individuals with learning disabilities and attention challenges. Reading intervention is different than extra help in reading. Click on the link to hear Dr. Margie Gillis explain the key elements of an effective reading intervention program. Elements of an effective reading intervention.
The Oregon Branch of the International Dyslexia Association focuses on increasing public awareness and actively supports effective teaching approaches and intervention strategies for children and adults with Dyslexia and other learning disabilities. I am a member of the International Dyslexia Association and the Oregon IDA chapter.
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Nessy has been making fun, educational software for children since 1999 and has developed a reputation for exceptional quality. Nessy offers the complete dyslexia aware solution with a suite of multi-sensory products aimed at making learning to read, write and spell fun.
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Nessy is used globally by hundreds and thousands of teachers and students and is a 3 time winner at the prestigious Educational Resources Awards.
The Nessy Philosophy
Nessy believes that if children have fun then learning becomes more memorable. Where children play games the increased level of engagement leads to dramatic improvements.
Combine this philosophy with a highly structured, incremental system based on well-established Orton-Gillingham principles of learning and you can see the reason why academic results show such dramatic gains.
Brainspring teaches using the senses of touch, sight, hearing and movement. This method ensures students use more than one pathway in the brain, strengthening and solidifying information. Any student can benefit from this approach, but for the student who struggles to learn, it can be the difference between success and failure.
