When children are behind in their literacy skills, we recommend the Orton-Gillingham Approach, which is an effective and evidence-based approach for reading, writing, and spelling remediation1. .
Services and resources that use this approach
There are two organizations that use the Orton-Gillingham Approach in Kingston:
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These services might not be financially accessible to everyone or have a lengthy waitlist. There are also parent-led Orton-Gillingham workbooks that can be purchased online or through a book store.
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There are also guided online programs available, but it is important to do your research before selecting a program. , , and all offer online programs.
Research shows that direct, guided explicit instruction on how to solve mathematical problems is the most effective intervention for difficulties in math. There are different math programs that are evidence-based2 and more information about various programs can be found at:
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The Reading Clinic and Tutoring Services both offer math remediation
Sometimes difficulties with self-regulation, hyperactivity, attention, executive functioning, sensory sensitivities, fine-motor issues, or emotional regulation can impact a child鈥檚 learning. An occupational therapist (OT) or child and youth mental health services can help build these skills and develop accommodations for home and school that support the application of these skills.
You can request an OT through the school or access them through private services. is a OT service in Kingston that has expertise in these areas.
Services that offer a variety of free, confidential and professional treatment and support to help children, youth, and their families living in the area:
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(Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington)
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(Hastings & Prince Edward)
For children who are significantly struggling to meet academic, behavioural, emotional, or social expectations, it is recommended to first speak with your child鈥檚 teacher about whether an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) might be appropriate. An IEP 鈥渋dentifies the student's specific learning expectations and outlines how the school will address these expectations through appropriate accommodations, program modifications and/or alternative programs as well as specific instructional and assessment strategies鈥3. A psychiatric diagnosis is not required in order to put an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in place. The process for obtaining an IEP is through an Identification, Placement, and Review Committee.
What is the role of the IPRC?
The IPRC will:
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decide whether or not the student should be identified as exceptional;
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identify the areas of the student鈥檚 exceptionality, according to the categories and definitions of exceptionalities provided by the Ministry of Education;
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decide an appropriate placement for the student; and
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review the identification and placement at least once in each school year.
As per the Ontario Ministry of Education3, 鈥淲hen an Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) identifies a student as an exceptional pupil, the principal must ensure that an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for that student is developed and maintained. An IEP must be developed with input from the parent(s)/guardian(s) and from the student if he or she is sixteen years of age or older. An IEP must be developed within thirty days of the placement of an exceptional pupil in a particular program. The parents/guardian(s) must be provided with a copy; the student must also be given a copy if he or she is sixteen years of age or older. An IEP may also be prepared for students who require accommodations, program modifications and/or alternative programs, but who have not been identified as exceptional by an IPRC鈥.
Who is identified as an exceptional pupil?
The Education Act defines an exceptional pupil as 鈥渁 pupil whose behavioural, communicational, intellectual, physical or multiple exceptionalities are such that he or she is considered to need placement in a special education program....鈥 Students are identified according to the categories and definitions of exceptionalities provided by the Ministry of Education
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Stevens, E. A., Austin, C., Moore, C., Scammacca, N., Boucher, A. N., & Vaughn, S. (2021). Current state of the evidence: Examining the effects of Orton-Gillingham reading interventions for students with or at risk for word-level reading disabilities. Exceptional Children, 0014402921993406
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Soares, N., Evans, T., & Patel, D. R. (2018). Specific learning disability in mathematics: a comprehensive review. Translational pediatrics, 7(1), 48.