Fast ForWord Literacy software is a reading intervention product that builds foundational reading and language skills to help districts move special needs learners to successful learners in the general classroom.
First Developed:
1997 by the Scientific Learning Company
Overall Philosophy:
Fast ForWord is a computer-delivered program that helps build reading and language skills from children as young as 3 years old to adults. The exercises are designed to improve memory, attention, processing and sequencing abilities by addressing the underlying cognitive processes. The software adapts to the responses of the individual using the program, adjusting the learner's content exposure and targeting correct responses 80% of the time, which maintains challenge and motivates success.
Popularity:
Programs such as this that are tailored to meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act are extremely popular with educators.
Time required for the treatment:
Depending on the schedule chosen by the learner, significant gains could be in as little as 4-12 weeks.
Treatment cost:
Starting at $99.
Training materials required:
The delivery of this program should be done by a trained, certified professional.
Who directs the treatment?
The specific learner determines how quickly the program moves; the schedule for usage would be determined by the caregiver.
Where does the treatment take place?
In an educational environment, either school or a clinic.
How is success determined?
Student results are reported by the Fast ForWord Progress Tracker. Fast ForWord Progress Tracker reports provide data on the individual cognitive development of each student. The analysis of individual student progress can be automatically delivered to teachers, with specific recommendations for instructional intervention.
Biggest success story:
A study of 500 children showed gains of 1.5 years in reading and language development. Nearly all the children that participated in the study have shown substantial improvements in both receptive and expressive language skills.
Web site:
http://www.scilearn.com/products/secondary-products/fast-forword-literacy/index.php
Main concern:
While tremendous improvements were shown in children diagnosed as autistic as well as those with PDD, there are some children who should not use this program. Please discuss this option with your doctor before purchasing.