Sylvan Learning Center Cost

[MrsPete]

I know several teachers who worked for these expensive centers while they were in college, and every one of them says the same thing: They're not worth the price.

Two less expensive, more effective options:

1. Talk to his teacher about tutoring. He or she will be able to suggest names of people -- probably teachers -- who are willing to tutor for considerably less money. His own teachers cannot ethically tutor for money while he's a current student; it can look like "buying grades".

2. You become his tutor. This is likely to be the most effective method of all -- IF you are disciplined to do it, and IF he doesn't resist you as a teacher. Just plain READ with him. Every day. Make a point of shutting off the television and computer, and pick things that will interest him.

I didn't read the whole thread, but if he's just slow in getting started, practice, practice, practice. That's what he needs. One of my children loved reading from the very first word and picked it up super-fast. My other was more reluctant and needed lots of prodding. Today they're both very strong readers and read constantly for enjoyment; the younger one was slower to start, but she certainly reached the same point.

 

[MrsPete]

Another private school Mom here... While your school won't have the ability to test your son, they should have the info to get him tested through the public system (free) or through a private provider. We chose private because my dd's grades would have delayed her testing date (they take those doing the worst first but must address each applicant within a year of application). Our small private school has 2 learning consultants on staff - one for K thru 4, one for 5-8. Please check with your administration. They can give you the information to get started in the right direction. Good luck!

I was in this situation years ago: My oldest child had severe ear infections from a young age, and they prevented her from hearing properly . . . a speech defect was the result -- not a big problem, but still a noticable defect. We had her tested privately (insurance paid for that), but her small private school didn't offer speech therapy.

She was eligible for speech therapy at the public school, BUT we weren't able to take advantage of it. She would've had to be there during the school day, and that would've meant pulling her out of her classes. Also, with us both working, transportation would've been an issue. So while we were 100% eligible for those services, realistically, we couldn't use them.

She never did get speech therapy. We read up on some techniques, which we worked with at home; and she benefited tremendously from phonics instruction in her kindergarten and 1st grade classes -- I loved our small Christian school for that strong phonics background; it did so much good for my two children.

Today she's fine. Completely over the speech problems.

 

[MrsPete]

I think you should take some of that money and spend it on having your child evaluated for learning disabilities. I personally believe that a lot of children who are "slow" readers or who struggle in school have learning disabilities. How can someone possibly "treat" a condition without really knowing what it is

I'm a teacher too, but I disagree. I think most "slow" readers simply need practice. In today's world their attention is divided in so many directions, and one negative effect of technology is a shortened attention span for the average child. I think many kids who are diagnosed with a learning disability are really just behind grade level. There's no disability preventing them from learning; they just haven't put in the number of hours required for them to perfect the skill of reading -- and that number isn't the same for every child.

 

[katscradle]

I knew my ds now 10 had a problem 9 years ago.
Another 1 1/2 years to convince and get speech therapy for him.
Speech therapy for 2 1/2 years 4 month break between each block of therapy. 6 blocks of therapy total I think.
When he entered grade 1 the teacher wasn't great in fact I say useless.
A repeat of the grade 1 year.
Grade 2 placed in the IEP program with withdrawal for several subects.
Grade 3 same.
Grade 4 the same and no improvement. Went to talk to his Special ed. teacher about this " Kenny has no retention and until he gets some he is unteachable." I told her she was no better than a glorified babysitter and in fact my babysitters are better because they at least attempt to get him to read and understand. I also told her that from this point on she would be treated as a daycare facility for my son so I could continue to work.
I then got my DH and DS and went to a learning center
Percision Learning center
Hyeraccelerated learning for educational success
A Dr. with a PHD in Psychology runs it.
The initial assement cost us $75.00
Reading K level
Writing 1.2
Math 1.4
That was last feb/08
Kenny is now at a grade 3 level in all the above subects.
Kenny is in grade 5 this year.
The Dr. feels it will take 2 years to bring Kenny up to par on all subects.
He goes for 1 2 hour session once a week.
We pay about 500-550 per month for this.
I can see the improvement and it is fantastic.
Don't wait as I did for the schools and teachers to help.
Look everywhere till you find something that will work for you.
Also should tell you they do not teach the currant cirriculum at percision they teach the one that was taught in the 60's which seems much more effective.
There is hope but I do not feel that you will find hope in the school system.
There are some great teachers out there Kenny got 2 of them this year.
However there are a lot of lousy ones as well.
That being said A childs education is priceless.
All the best to you OP, hope you find what you need.

 

[Lisa_M]

Your public school district should be required to provide the testing, for free. Your private school administrator will be able to tell you who to contact.

Yes the public school will test for free and if your son qualifies they will provide services through an IEP at the public school. If you have no intention of changing schools, the evaluation can be helpful as they can offer recommendations for his classroom and home, even if it is not as services.

My suggestion for you in the meantime is to find a private tutor and check out some online things you can do at home. interventioncentral.org is an EXCELLENT website for research based interventions for a variety of difficulties.

 

[Zane_Anthony]

Hello everyone thanks for all the information and support. I have found some great website thanks to all of you. I had my conference today my with sons teacher and she is very concerned about his progress as well. We went over and met with the director of curriculum and she had some excellent resources for me. It turns out the local university that my sons private school is tied to actually does testing for learning disabilities and it's free for children that attend that school. So they are supposed to call me tomorrow to set up the testing and we will go from there. She also suggested contacting our local independent school district for help if needed once we know whats going on, she said the same as many of you have that they have to provide the services even though he is not enrolled. She also gave me a list of some reading specialist, programs, and tutors and she also informed me that we have a dyslexia center here (didn't have a clue we had one) so I feel much better today. Thanks again !!

 

[shelly3girls]

It sounds like you were right on track with your concerns. It also sounds like you have some wonderful resources available to you. Good luck! I wish both you and your son the best. It is a tough road having a child with a disability but as long as you keep pushing he will improve.

 

[Zane_Anthony]

It sounds like you were right on track with your concerns. It also sounds like you have some wonderful resources available to you. Good luck! I wish both you and your son the best. It is a tough road having a child with a disability but as long as you keep pushing he will improve.

Thanks so much for all your input!! I looked at ADHD and I can really see the inattentive part in Zane.