W.I.N.G.S.
Educational Therapy
What Is A Learning Disability?
Students with average to superior intelligence who have specific deficits in perception and /or cognition are said to be learning disabled. They do not learn by traditional classroom instructional methods.
The W.I.N.G.S.-T. Program is associated with the National Institute for Learning Disabilities. Developed by a Christian nurse/educator in conjunction with Drs. A.A. Silver, M.D. and R.A. Hagin, Ph.D. at New York University, NILD was started in Norfolk Christian Schools in 1973 and currently has programs in more than 300 Christian schools worldwide. Ongoing research conducted by NILD continues to affirm program effectiveness.
W.I.N.G.S.-T., a non-tutorial program, is designed to improve a student’s deficit and/or areas of weakness by using special techniques to stimulate the brain and strengthen thinking skills. Intensive one-on-one educational therapy is given to each student in two 80 minute sessions each week. The goal of the therapy techniques is to help the student reach his potential and develop independence and success in the classroom and in life.
How Is Therapy And Classroom Instruction Integrated?
Regular communication between the classroom teacher and the therapist allows for the sharing of insights and practical suggestions leading to an improved educational program for each student.
Who Is A Candidate For This Program?Potential students for this program are those experiencing obvious frustration in areas related to school performance. Students with poor spelling, illegible handwriting, inability to express thoughts in writing, and difficulty with reading or math are referred for educational therapy by either teachers or parents.
Incoming new students who have previously been identified to have specific learning problems should have all testing records sent to the school for evaluation. Consideration for W.I.N.G.S.-T. enrollment may include further testing.
How Are Learning Disabilities Diagnosed?
A psychological test (WISC-III) is administered by a licensed psychologist to determine student potential. An educational battery of formal and informal tests reveals areas of strengths and weaknesses. These tests provide data necessary to determine the presence of specific learning difficulties.
What Does The Future Hold For These Students?
Strategies learned in educational therapy should enable students to remain independent and successful throughout their school years and give them the freedom to pursue a career in the field of their choice.
Who Teaches These Students?
W.I.N.G.S.-T. students are taught by educational therapists who receive intensive, on-going training through:
National Institute for Learning
Disabilities
107 Seekel St.
Norfolk, VA 23505
A clinical psychologist provides assistance in the testing and evaluation process and is available for consultation.
Initial research appears to support the premise that with proper stimulation, the brain can overcome areas of weakness and inefficiency. The most effective stimulation is the process of interactive dialogue with an adult mediator who guides students to higher levels of thinking. Information is available on NILD studies which provide statistical data to support the theory of cognitive stimulation.
How Is The Student’s Family Involved?
Parents are encouraged to work closely with their child at home and also with his/her educational therapist. They are asked to come to orientation meetings, attend some initial therapy sessions in order to supervise homework, and to observe therapy sessions during the year. W.I.N.G.S.-T. parents are involved in a support group called PEP (Parents Encouraging Parents).
How Is This Program Financed?
Every effort is made to keep costs within reach of families. Tuition should cover the therapist’s salary, instructional materials and administrative expenses. This fee is in addition to the classroom tuition. Summer therapy is available on a per session basis.
How Long Is A Student In The Program?
The number of years a student is enrolled varies according to the severity of the deficit. A minimum of three years seems to be the norm. The ultimate objective is the development of self-reliance and logical thinking in both academic and life situations.
What Is The Criteria For Completion Of The Program?
A student is dismissed from the program when he becomes independent and successful in the regular classroom. This decision is based upon recommendations from the student’s parents, classroom teachers and therapist.
| Processing fee | $ 50 |
| Academic testing battery | $300 |
| Psychological testing battery | rates vary |
| Tuition | $3,492 |