St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School
and Arrowsmith Program Pilot Project
Introduction
In November 1997, in co-operation with St. Patrick Catholic
Secondary School, a seven month pilot project was undertaken.
Seventeen students were selected from the grade 9 intake. Initial
testing indicated that all of the students had at least 7 of
the 9 learning dysfunctions the testing screened for. The pilot
project was designed around exercises to work on the following
areas: Motor Symbol Sequencing, Symbol Relations, Symbol Recognition
and Supplementary Motor. The students spent half of each school
day working on the four Arrowsmith programs and the other half
day in grade 9 credit courses.
Academic Changes
After 7 months of treatment, the average
change in course work from term 1 to term 2 was 11%. The following
tables summarize the averaged quantitative improvements seen
in the students.
Academic Testing
• Reading Comprehension 1.3 grades
• Reading
for Understanding 1.0 grade
• Reading Speed 1.5 grades
• Word Recognition 2.2 grades
• Crossing Letters 18 %ile
• Vocabulary 16 %ile
• Visual Memory 15 %ile
• Arithmetic
0.7 grades
• Spelling 0.4 grades
• Differential Aptitude Test Verbal Reasoning 8 %ile
• Clerical Speed & Accuracy 21 %ile
• Test of Written Language Written
Language IQ 11 points
Improvement Rating
At the end of the pilot project, the students
and their parents were asked to complete a survey to provide
a qualitative measure of the effects of the programs. Both groups
were asked to rank the perceived changes in a number of areas
as shown in the table below.
| Student & Parent
Evaluations |
|
Extremely Noticeable
to
Very Noticeable |
Somewhat Noticeable
to
Noticeable |
No Change
Noticeable |
| Concentration Span |
|
|
|
| Student Rating |
54% |
46% |
|
| Parent Rating |
57% |
43% |
|
| Ability to Focus |
|
|
|
| Student Rating |
54% |
39% |
7% |
| Parent Rating |
57% |
36% |
7% |
| Following Instructions |
|
|
|
| Student Rating |
62% |
38% |
|
| Parent Rating |
72% |
21% |
7% |
| Listening Skills |
|
|
|
| Student Rating |
39% |
61% |
|
| Parent Rating |
57% |
43% |
|
| Organizational Skills |
|
|
|
| Student Rating |
61% |
39% |
|
| Parent Rating |
57% |
36% |
7% |
| Time Management |
|
|
|
| Student Rating |
62% |
38% |
|
| Parent Rating |
43% |
50% |
7% |
| Ability to Express Self Orally |
|
|
|
| Student Rating |
61% |
31% |
8% |
| Parent Rating |
64% |
29% |
7% |
| Growth of Self Esteem |
|
|
|
| Student Rating |
54% |
8% |
38% |
| Parent Rating |
86% |
7% |
7% |
Parent Comments:
Jonah is starting to show his true strengths where before they
were locked in his head. He used to spend hours on one assignment
and still not be able to express his thoughts in writing. However,
now he is able to do these assignments much quicker and with
great results. As a result, his self confidence has increased
a great deal and he is happier. We have seen a great improvement
in his organizational skills in all areas of his life. We are
very pleased with this program and very grateful that our son
was able to participate.
Michael has more confidence to try doing his schoolwork on
his own and gets really excited when work he has done is done
well and gets a good grade. He seems to enjoy accomplishing things
in school on his own. He would never dare try that before. It
has given him great self confidence.
Scott has made more progress in this year than in any other
year!
I want this program to continue because I have seen a lot of
improvement in Diane's marks.
Chris's grade level has gone up and his most recent grade scores
would suggest progress is clearly evident.
Carson has shown a great deal of improvement in schoolwork
and at home.
I believe the program has done wonders for Rodney. He seems
to be much more confident in all aspects of his daily routine
and his enthusiasm shows.
There is a very noticeable change in Richard's development.
In his other subjects his marks have gone up.
It has helped David in everything he says and does.
I see remarkable improvement.
|
