The Ann and Gene Pratt Program
A Supportive Learning Environment for Capable Students with Learning Differences
The Instructional Program
The Pratt Program is a learning support center that meets the specialized needs of bright students, grades K-12, who have language-based learning differences such as dyslexia. Encouraging high academic achievement by using research-driven teaching techniques, the program’s effectiveness is well established. Our graduates continue their education successfully at Bishop Walsh and in college.
Students in the program receive research-based instruction tailored for individual needs. The language program is structured, systematic, and multi-sensory in nature. Students receive direct instruction in reading, writing and spelling with progress monitored regularly. In addition, students receive the necessary classroom accommodations, and are encouraged to become advocates for their learning needs. The goal of the program is for students to become independent readers, writers and spellers who can perform to their potential in the classroom.
The Pratt Program helps students understand that along with their learning differences, they have tremendous strengths and abilities. We help build this awareness and the accompanying self esteem so they can use their strengths to the fullest.
FAQs
What students will benefit from the Pratt Program?
- Capable students grades K-12 with language based learning differences such as dyslexia
How does a student qualify to participate in the Pratt Program?
- Parents and/or teachers recommend students for formal evaluation.
- Formal evaluations reveal a need for intervention and support services.
How will the Pratt Program affect a student’s schedule?
- Elementary students: teachers coordinate times that are best for student
- Middle/High students: program is incorporated in a regular academic schedule
Do students in the Pratt Program receive classroom accommodations?
- Program teachers design individual classroom accommodations for each student.
How long does a student remain in the Pratt Program?
- Students progress at individual rates, and continue receiving services until reading and writing skills are proficient.
What about support for teachers and parents?
- Program teachers regularly attend conferences and professional development workshops to keep current on best practices of instruction.
- School staff receives professional development to increase awareness of learning differences and to learn strategies for accommodating these needs.
- The Pratt Program provides workshops for parents to address the many issues facing families of students with learning differences.
Who are the members of the Pratt team?
- Mrs. Stephanie Pratt, director, and Sister Kathleen Jancuk, SSND are both Reading Specialists trained in the Orton-Gillingham method
- Ms. Jessica Mellon, Orton-Gillingham tutor
- Mrs. Ann Workmeister, Writing tutor
- Mrs. Susan Cioni and Mrs. Susan Nallin, School Counselors
- Advisory Panel: Mrs. Fran Bowman, Bowman Educational Services, Inc. and Mr. James Morgan, CLU, CEO Morgan Financial Group
What our parents say about the program:
“Our family has benefited greatly from the Pratt Program. Being able to identify the reason for the continual frustration is a blessing. It has allowed our child to truly shine. No longer do we have to fight tears, crying and stomach aches in the morning. We have a child who is positive about school. And, the best parts, if we see or sense his fear, we now know how to help him. Our school has been blessed with the gifts of the Pratt program; it has given children who may have been lost in the abyss, the opportunity to flourish.” (a parent of an elementary student)
“The Pratt Program is a life saver academically. It is just what my son needed. Thank God for Bishop Walsh.” (a parent of a middle school student)
“Our experience with the Pratt Program has been wonderful. Our daughter had struggled with reading and subsequently most of her other subjects for eight years and after only a short time, she is reading with confidence and pride! The instructors and the dynamics of the curriculum have changed her whole outlook on herself. She now considers herself to have a special learning ability rather than a learning difference.” (a parent of a high school student)
For more information, please contact Stephanie Pratt, Director, at spratt@bishopwalsh.org or 301-724-5360, x218.