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Visit our Workshops & Webinars pages to learn more about our two new training courses for teachers!
Celebrating Diverse Gifts
As we reflect on Black History Month, we think about the triumphs and struggles of the Black community throughout our country’s history. February was chosen to celebrate Black History as it coincides with the birth dates of two influential leaders in our country’s movement toward Black equality: Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. However, it is important to continue celebrating the contributions of Black Americans all year long as Black History is American history which is an integral part of our country.
At REACH Learning, we think a lot about equality in learning opportunities. In education today, we often see that Black children who experience neurodiversity do not get the support they need compared to other neurodiverse students. They are often over-identified as having a behavioral need and under-identified as having a learning difference (Brookings, 2017). Black children are also less likely to be identified as gifted, despite having the same likelihood of giftedness as other children. In addition, Black students are removed from their general classroom more often than other students (NCLD, 2021).
At REACH, we want all children to have what they need to thrive. Our work focuses on getting to know the student as an individual so that we can maximize their unique gifts while supporting their growth areas. We also turnkey our practices to school-based educators so that more students can receive similar support. And, we continue to look for ways to partner within the community to support all students. For example, REACH Learning has partnered with RESCHOOL to provide support to families who otherwise would not be able to access our services.
Below is a list of Black leaders with neurodiversities who inspire us:
Muhammad Ali, heavyweight boxing champion, poet, philanthropist – dyslexia
Raven Baxter (Raven the Science Maven), biologist, educator – ADHD
Melanie Brown (Mel B), singer, television host – ADHD
Simone Biles, Olympic gymnast – ADHD
Alonzo Clemons, sculptor– Savant Syndrome
Damien Hooper-Campbell, chief diversity officer, Zoom Video Communications – ADHD
Daymond John, businessman, author, Shark Tank host – dyslexia
Whoopi Goldberg, actress, comedian, author – dyslexia
Will.i.am, rapper, member of Black Eyed Peas – ADHD
Octavia Spencer, Academy award Winning Actor – dyslexia
Supporting Teachers
With the child at the center of REACH Learning’s intervention process, we extend our work to include educators and families in order to foster support and understanding from all angles. Every member of the REACH Learning team is either a current or former teacher so we understand the daily struggles of keeping 25+ students on track with a lesson plan.
We view ourselves as an extension of a student’s classroom teacher. As such, our focus is on providing additional support, tools, and training to reinforce what is being taught in the classroom. We applaud the dedication and hard work of teachers and make it our goal to do what we can to make it just a little bit easier.
This year, we are introducing two new training courses to provide teachers with a host of tools to assist them in the classroom. The first session of both workshops is being held in early March and registrants for these sessions will receive a discount of $300+. REACH Learning will hold a second session of the two-day workshops in June and also offer the courses online. Up to 20 CEU credits will be awarded upon completion of the workshops.
REACH Learning’s Social and Emotional Instructional Foundations workshop prepares teachers for teaching social and emotional skills to their learners by providing tangible, easy-to-implement strategies that create a connection-based approach to classroom management. Workshop participants will create personalized plans to implement SEL strategies in their own classrooms and receive follow up group coaching sessions to help with implementation at critical milestones.
The Science of Reading workshop provides teachers with proven practices for implementing the science of reading based on the REACH Learning model, which has proven to help students double their reading growth. Participants will learn how to teach syllable types using Sound Factory Spelling™ and utilize anchor stories to improve comprehension. Following the in-person workshop, participants will receive three virtual implementation coaching sessions.
Limited spaces remain for the March workshops. To take advantage of the first time discount or be put on a mailing list to receive information about upcoming teacher workshops, please visit our Workshops & Webinars page.
Meet Our New Staff Member
“When students know that they can shine and that the adults in their lives believe in them and support them, their learning and engagement can flourish.” - Dr. Rockoff
We are pleased to introduce our newest educational clinician, Ayala Zolton Rockoff. Dr. Rockoff is a licensed psychologist and a nationally certified school psychologist whose work in special education and childhood mental health spans many years – both in and out of the classroom. Ayala loves working with young people and the families and professionals who care about them. One of her favorite parts of her work with REACH Learning is discovering what motivates, excites, and challenges each of her students.
Before moving to Denver, she was the school psychologist and director of guidance at Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy in Overland Park, KS. In addition to her work with REACH Learning, Ayala serves as school psychologist at Denver Academy of Torah. She enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new places, exercising, reading, baking, and catching up with friends. Please help us welcome Dr. Rockhoff!
Let’s Get Social!
Connect with REACH Learning on Facebook and Instagram – both handles are @REACHLearningServices. Our social media sites include tips, inspiration, and links to great articles and resources. Be sure to like and follow us and invite your friends and family to do the same!
Additional Resources
Learn more about ADHD.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a
condition that causes differences in the brain making
focus difficult, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Learn more information about ADHD from Chadd.org.
Learn more about Dyslexia.
Dyslexia is a learning difference when someone has trouble reading
and with reading comprehension, spelling, and writing.
Learn more information about Dyslexia from Dyslexiaida.org.
