Across the country, it is more and more common for students to be diagnosed with various reading challenges -- dyslexia or dysgraphia are common diagnoses that may ring a bell. These are specific challenges that can be treated and sometimes overcome, therefore parents are taking their kids to a variety of outside therapy centers for help. As you might imagine, these types of outside interventions are not cheap. On top of a private education, therapy like this can get quite expensive, yet may be necessary for long term academic success.

With Westminster’s heavy reliance on reading, writing, spelling, math, etc. and high expectations for performance, this often leaves students and families feeling a bit frustrated. Then when they seek assistance from outside groups, these therapists are not working with our teachers regularly and targeting all of the efforts toward Westminster.

THE READING SPECIALIST SOLUTION

WCA now offers the services of a qualified reading specialist that has appropriate credentials. This specialist works on our campuses to provide intervention for identified students and works with them and their teachers and families in a manner consistent with the requirements and expectations of a Westminster education.

There are fees associated with these services offered on our campuses, but we strive to offer them for LESS than the services of outside companies. In addition, the specific attention within the Westminster culture and access and collaboration with teachers provides a superior result.

A FEW MORE DETAILS

This is not a special education program, rather reading interventions that will benefit a broad array of students. New students needing these types of services will continue to follow the same admissions procedures and guidelines as before. There will be no special considerations, just additional resources for students that would qualify to sit in a WCA classroom.

Teachers also benefit from specific assistance with students and the tailored coaching that is related to Westminster students with reading challenges.

Reading Specialist Services Through Westminster Christian Academy

OUR READING SPECIALIST

Mrs. Cynthia Premeaux (Cindy Premeaux) has her BA in Elementary Education from Louisiana Tech University, her Masters of Education in Special Education (Gifted) from Northeast Louisiana University and her Specialists Certification for Educational Diagnostician. She has been an educational diagnostician, as well as a Literacy Interventionist and Dyslexic Teacher in Louisiana and Texas. She was a state finalist in Louisiana for Middle School Teacher of the Year. Her heart is for students who struggle and helping them find strategies that will help them overcome their challenges. Most importantly, Mrs. Premeaux loves the Lord and loves children. 

TIERS FOR STUDENTS WITH ACCOMMODATIONS

Tier I:  Updated Formal Evaluation provided by parents every three years - $300 / month / student

• One-on-one instruction 1 or 2 days per week provided by reading specialist
• Testing accommodations in small group setting provided by testing coordinator
• Classroom accommodations provided by classroom teachers
• Liaison services provided by reading specialist to students, parents, and teachers

Tier II: Updated Formal Evaluation provided by parents every three years - $250 / month / student

• Small group instruction 1 or 2 days per week provided by reading specialist
• Testing accommodations in small group setting provided by testing coordinator
• Classroom accommodations provided by classroom teachers
• Liaison services provided by reading specialist to students, parents, and teachers

Tier III:  Updated Formal Evaluation provided by parents every three years - $150 / month / student

• Testing accommodations in small group setting provided by testing coordinator
• Classroom accommodations provided by classroom teachers
• Liaison services provided by reading specialist to students, parents, and teachers

Tier IV:  Updated Formal Evaluation provided by parents every three years - $100 / month / student

• Classroom accommodations provided by classroom teachers
• Liaison services provided by reading specialist to students, parents, and teachers

Tier V:  No current Formal Evaluation completed yet, but a recommendation from the teacher(s) and approval from the division principal - $50 / month / student

• Classroom accommodations provided by classroom teachers
• Testing accommodations in small group setting provided by testing coordinator
• Liaison services provided by reading specialist to students, parents, and teachers

**Note: This program is NOT a special education program. WCA is not equipped to provided services to students with more severe learning challenges.