Dear Jeanette, Below are the results of my study using the Writebrain Potential. I wish I had been able to have a more controlled study.
The first two columns explain the results of pre and post testing using the Kaufman Test Of Educational Achievement. I personally do not like the test, but it is used within our district for the 3-yr. evaluations. Of the 16 students, all have learning disabilities with the exception of Travis, who has emotional disabilities. James and Grace did not participate in post-testing. It is my understanding that a 1/2 yr. gain in reading each year is typically what can be expected with LD students at this level. As you can see, many had a gain of more than .5. I realize that this research may hold room for improvement, but I thought you'd be interested to see the results. I will be doing a presentation for G.L.O.W. (Graphology League of Wisconsin) in July to explain how the project fit into our curriculum. I will again look forward to our meeting in Denver!
Sincerely,
Kris
Student No.
Pre-Test Reading Composite
Post Reading Composite
Math Composite
Spelling
Written Language
Reading
Net Gain per Year
#1(m)
4.5 ('98)
6.1
5.1
3.1
3-5
+1.6/yr
(1.6)
#2(m)
3.7 ('97)
6.7
7.8
4.9
3-4
+3.02 yrs
(1.5)
#3(m)
3.9 ('98)
6.2
4.0
5.0
n/a
+2.3/.75/yr
(3.0)
#4(m)
5.5 ('98)
7.3
6.0
3.0
3.0
+1.8/1.25/yr
(1.44)
#5(m)
11.2 ('98)
10.0
7.3
4.8
n/a
-1.2/yr
(-1.2)
#6(f)
5.0 (97)
5.7
5.3
5.0
5.0
+.072/2.5 yr
(0.2)
#7(m)
3.8 ('98)
5.7
C=4.8
A=7.1
2.7
2-3
+1.9/1.5 yr
(1.2)
#8(f)
4.4 ('97)
4.8
n/a
n/a
+.1/yr
(0.1)
#9(f)
3.9 ('97)
5.2
9.2
4.0
3-4
+1.3/2 yrs
(.65)
#10(m)
2.8 ('95)
5.7
5.8
2.1
2.0
+2.9/4yrs
(.725)
#11(m)*
8.2 ('97)
10.0
11.0
5.6
5-6
+1.8/1.5 yrs
(1.2)
#12(m)
7.6 ('98)
10.0
C=5.8
A=7.8
2.6
n/a
+2.0/.5yrs
(4.4)
#13(m)
5.3 ('98)
7.3
7.5
2.36
n/a
2.0/.5yr
(4.4)
#14(f)
5.2 ('98)
5.2
4.5
5.0
2.0
0.0/yr
(0.0)
* emotionally disturbed
Note: This program, based on specific movement exercises and therapeutic music, was used daily for approximately 10 minutes, for most of the 1998-1999 school year. Pre and post reading scores indicate that 72% of the students gained above the expected ½ year of reading growth for their age group.
Interestingly, the school’s reading specialist had previously indicated that the brain’s time-sensitive "window of opportunity" for expected growth for that age group had already closed. However, the physiological impact of movement and music on the brain bypasses that accepted limitation.
