Institute of Reading Development

[mrharper]

Has anyone heard of this group? Apparently they do summer reading programs that help kids catch up on their reading skills if they've fallen behind. I've heard this from a few parents, some of whom were ecstatic and some of whom thought they'd wasted their money. It's hard to get objective analysis from parents, and there's surprisingly little online about them. Does anyone out there have any experience with IRD?

[tbirdwilson]

Yes, in fact, I worked for IRD in the summer and fall of 2003,
and would be happy to explain what it's about and its pros and cons.

First of all, though, do you have any specific questions about it?

taylor

[Shelley]

I am thinking of signing my daughter up for the Insitute of Reading development, but I also can't find much information from people who have attended. Can you give me any insight as to if the class is indeed helpful? She is entering 5th grade.

[Shelley]

Originally Posted by tbirdwilson

Yes, in fact, I worked for IRD in the summer and fall of 2003,
and would be happy to explain what it's about and its pros and cons.

First of all, though, do you have any specific questions about it?

taylor

I would love to know the pros and cons, whatever you could tell me would be helpful. My daughter is entering 5th grade.

[wildxfire]

Hi,
I am also interested in knowing more about IRD. I am thinking of signing myself up in the Adult class. Would you mind sharing your thoughts on the program and classes? Thanks

[sonomamom]

I have taken the adult class, it really helped me focus. I have a tendency to drift off and think about other stuff when I'm reading, especially if i'm tired or not that interested. It's great for required reading, not a class for someone who wants to learn how to read a book for fun.

My niece enrolled in the class for 10th graders. Helped for study skills and such. She was bored with the books though.

Hope this helps!

[Lizzy]

Originally Posted by tbirdwilson

Yes, in fact, I worked for IRD in the summer and fall of 2003,
and would be happy to explain what it's about and its pros and cons.

First of all, though, do you have any specific questions about it?

taylor

I found this forum by searching for information about IRD - Institute of Reading Development. I am also looking for information about them. I am considering enrolling my daughter to get help with comprehension and also study skills. What processes do they use? What is their success rate? Is it worth the money?

[danielle9933]

I am a summer teacher for the institute of reading dev. As far as the classes go it is entirely dependent on who you get as a teacher. Some have no background in education at all. I am in the minority having completed a degree in elementary education. The adult classes give very common sense techniques that I wouldn't recommend paying hundreds of dollars for.
The company as a whole is very bizzare. They are extremely secretive, even as an employee I don't understand very much about how their partnerships work. The whole program is extremely scripted and non creative. Just read to your child every day over the summer and have them read to you, save your money!

I also don't recommend working for them, get some quality teaching experience elseware. This isn't worth all the hoops.

[frida]

In my experience with IRD, I think the program is well worth the time, effort, and money for over 90% of the students who are signed up for it. I taught for them for a few years (through the summer of 2006), and saw great success in my students. I heard from many students' parents how relieved they were to see their children feel more confident about reading...and how relieved they were to know how to better help their children after the program was over.

In my current work at a public school, I continue to reap the benefits of the training and ideas I received from IRD - my experience with that company has aided me in improving the reading skills of the students I work with now.

Unlike a previous poster, I didn't find the company to be the least bit secretive. I saw the staff and supervisors work very hard to keep the teachers, parents, and students informed.

[teach4life]

My son took this class summer before last and I, as many parents of the children in it, though it a waste of time and money. I have a Master's in Reading Education and sat in the class a couple of times to see what techniques were being used. I know it was a short amount of time and there was not very much one-to -one instruction. I was expecting alot more from the class for the money spent. The success of the class might depend also on the instructor and how excited he/she is about teaching reading!