Wise Choice Educational Services

	•	Professional Assessments

	•	Neurodevelopmental Evaluation and Therapy

	•	Teacher and Parent Training - to work with Dyslexics

	•	Reading Therapy, Remediation, Tutoring

	•	Reading Therapy for Dyslexics

	•	Neurofeedback Training for Attention Deficit - Neurotherapy

	•	Processing Skills - Brain Training

	•	Standardized Testing for Homeschoolers

	•	GED Practice Tests: Test of General Educational Development

	•	Guidelines for The Use of Standardized Tests

	•	Cds for Sale

Professional Assessments

Different options according to your needs (the problems that the child presents, your desire to better understand, and the requirement for an official diagnosis) and according to your finances:

Educational Screener

	*	To analyse the achievement levels in word recognition, reading comprehension, spelling, and math.
	*	The parents can be present.
	*	To receive Mrs. Day's suggestions regarding more testing and/or remediation.

	*	1/2 hour of testing
	*	1/2 hour consultation

Cost:

$110.00 (plus $25.00 for a written report if requested)

Dyslexic Patterns Screener

	*	To identify dyslexic patterns. There are three main types of dyslexia based on the diagnosis of reading-spelling patterns (Elena Boder’s and Griffith’s models) Auditory (phonological awareness), Visual (memory of whole words), Motor (kinetic-memory for written symbols). See article on dyslexia See checklist on dyslexia

	*	1 hour of testing
	*	1 hour consultation

Cost:

$220.00 (plus $50.00 for a written report if requested)

Attention Patterns Analysis

	*	To analyse objective data in relation to the subjective comments collected through inventories filled by the parents or self (and teachers).
	*	A computerized test analyses sustained and selective attention abilities, impulsivity, and variability of response time.
	*	The distribution of slow brain waves in relation to faster brain waves patterns are observed using the QEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram). See article on neurofeedback See check list on ADD and ADHD

	*	1 hour of testing
	*	1 hour consultation

Cost:

$220.00 (plus $50.00 for a written report if requested)

Psychoeducational Assessment

	*	To outline the person’s learning strengths and weaknesses (e.g. Learning Disability, Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Disorder, with or without hyperactivity, and/or Giftedness)
	*	Testing as needed: intelligence (I.Q.), academic achievement ( reading recognition, word attack, spelling, reading comprehension, writing), dyslexic patterns, attention functions (using computer programs and the QEEG), memory abilities (short and long term), visual and auditory processing, neuro-development, sensory dysfunctions, language & adaptative behaviours. See articles See different checklists

	*	4-5 hours of testing
	*	2 hour consultation with the parents to share the results

Cost:

$800.00 (plus $250.00 for a written report if requested)

Neurodevelopmental Evaluation and Therapy

Home-based Individualized Program of Neurodevelopmental Activities

The neurodevelopmental approach addreses learning and attention problems from some of the root causes based in the organization of the Central Nervous System (CNS).

Assessment:

The functions of the CNS related to learning are analyzed with a profile of development. This profile allows to evaluate what should be in place from birth to seven years old (grade two) in order for the person to be an efficient learner. The child with learning and attention difficulties cannot access his potential because of neurodevelopmental inefficiencies.

The profile allows to analyse several functions: visual, auditory and sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, language and memory.

Program:

An individual program of neurodevelopmental activities is designed to be done at home or at the office for a three month basis. The parents are trained to administer these activities.

Re-evaluation:

Every three months a re-evaluation of the child’s progress is done (or more frequently if requested). A new program of neurodevelopmental activities is designed to continue to activate functions of the Central Nervous System related to learning and attention span.

Click for the article on neurodevelopment

Click for the article on primitive reflexes

Click for different checklists

	*	1 hour of testing
	*	2 hour consultation including the individualized program and the training for the parents

Cost:

$450.00 (plus $50.00 for a written report if requested)

One of the test used to measure the child’s overall developmental progress is the test Draw A Person. The Draw A Person test is a quantitative scoring system for human figure drawing, intended for use as a nonverbal measure of ability. It yields information on how the child perceives himself in space and with appropriate norms how it compares with drawings of children of the same age. This is an example of the amazing developmental progress that a child did in one year and a half on a program. Note: this child did not practice drawing himself. In fact he did not like drawing himself and it was only at the request of the examiner that he did these drawings.

first drawing second drawing

The first drawing on the left was done when this boy was 7 1/2 years old, before starting a neurodevelopmental program.

The standardized norms show that his representation of himself was equivalent to a 4 1/2 years old, in the 1rst percentile rank, in the deficient rank. In other words, there were 99.9% of the children of his age with a better self-image.

The second drawing on the right was done after working with his mother for 1 1/2 year (he was then 9 years old) with a neurodevelopmental program.

The norms place him at an equivalent to almost 12 years old, in the 98th percentile rank, in the very superior rank. In other words, there were only 2% of the children of his age (8 years and 11 months) with a better self-image.

Teacher and Parent Training - to work with Dyslexics

Intervention for Dyslexics

A program which is only focusing on phonics is helpful but not sufficient.

Phonemic awareness is primordial: the discovery that words in spoken language can be broken into small units of sounds called phonemes.

The brain of a dyslexic person requires help in integrating the way each letter sounds, looks, and feels and how combinations of these letters create pictures.

The International Dyslexia Association, the British Dyslexia Association and the Canadian Dyslexia Association all recommend a multisensory approach inspired by the Orton-Gillingham method.

Simultaneous Multisensory Teaching (SMT)

One of the most user friendly program from the Canadian Dyslexia Association (www.dyslexiacentre.ca)

Advantages of the SMT approach:
	*	can be taught to students of all ages
	*	although written for dyslexics, can be used to prevent reading failure
	*	the integration of the information is done through 20 steps included in each lesson
	*	each lesson is detailed and meticulously prepared
	*	Teachers, tutors, & parents can be taught in 14 hours
	*	teachers and tutors can be certified

Learning techniques and strategies included in the SMT teaching approach:
	*	visual and auditory discrimination
	*	bimanual reading in Braille dots to develop a "tactile vision"
	*	direct teaching of non-image words
	*	an emphasis on diction
	*	the etymology of English words

Training for Individuals (Teachers and Parents)

	When:
		Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where
	*	Ontario (Barrie, 1hour north of Toronto)
	*	Alberta (Calgary and Edmonton)
	*	or where numbers warrant

Description:
	*	Very Practical Training: 12 hours in a group
	*	Plus 2 hours of individual training (at a later date at the office or through a video)

Content:
	*	Workshop on the characteristics of Learning Disability and Dyslexia, what to teach, how to teach, and the importance of creating a positive learning environment
	*	Analysis of the different English sounds and techniques to work with children who are hard to teach in reading and spelling
	*	Demonstration of a real session with a student in therapy
	*	Explanation of the 20 steps involved in the program
	*	Practice teaching in role playing teacher/student with Mr. Day available to answer your questions

Cost and Registration

	Cost of the training:
		$450.00 per person + tax 5% for group training (2 or more for Ontario, 6 or more for Alberta) $600.00 per person + tax 5% for personal one-on-one training (includes the 12 hour session plus 2 hours of individual follow-up with each participant at a later date)

	Cost of the material:
		$110.00 for the Starting Kit + taxes 13% $110.00 for Level #1 + tax 13%

To download brochure click here

There are 12 levels which can be purchased as the individual progresses.

A non-refundable deposit of $100.00 is requested payable to:
Wise Choice Educational Services

Training for School Board and Private School

Reading Therapy, Remediation, Tutoring

We welcome the parents to stay during the sessions and we teach them how to pursue the program at home which maximize the chances of success.

REMEDIATION and TUTORING
One teacher teaching one student

Reading - Decoding
	*	word identification with rules and exceptions
	*	phonological awareness and phonics

Spelling
	*	phonemic strategies : sound-symbol correspondence and syllabication rules
	*	morphemic strategies : prefixes, suffixes, word bases, and manageable sets of rules to combine them
	*	whole-word strategies: learn the high-efficiency words that must be learned by memory

Reading Comprehension
	*	working with words
	*	following directions
	*	using the context
	*	drawing conclusions
	*	locating the answer
	*	detecting the sequence
	*	getting the facts
	*	getting the main idea
	*	identifying inferences

Writing for Excellence: Structure and Style
	*	Note Making and Outlines
	*	Summarizing from Notes
	*	Summarizing Narrative Stories
	*	Summarizing References and Library reports
	*	Creative Writing
	*	Essay Writing
	*	Critiques

Math -- for Kindergarten to grade 9
	*	Use of manipulative to better understand the concepts
	*	Practice of time tables
	*	Problem solving
	*	Strategies

Cost:

$50.00/hr. for individual tutoring

We recommend at least 2 hours per week but we will take students for one hour per week if the parents can only afford one hour.

Reading Therapy for Dyslexics

What Researchers Say about Dyslexia

	*	1 in 6 Canadians has dyslexia
	*	90 to 95% of reading impaired children can overcome their difficulties if they receive appropriate treatment at an early age
	*	The most useful intervention maust include phonemic awareness, sound-symbol relationships (phonics), sight vocabulary, and reading comprehension strategies

The Orton-Gillingham-based multisensory methods are the best. Dyslexic people who use all their senses when they learn (visual, auditory,tactile, and kinesthetic) can retrieve the information better.

The reading therapy is done by a certified reading therapist trained with different Orton-Gilligham-based approaches. The Simultaneous Multisensory Teaching fromm the Canadian Dyslexia Association is the main one used.

The program requires 5 days per week - 1 hour per day. We can accommodate a minimum of 3 days per week. 1 hour per day.

Comments from Satisfied Parents

	*	My child is more confident...
	*	My child is calmer...
	*	He is more interested with school work...
	*	Your assessment was thorough ...
	*	Your solutions are addressing the roots of the problems....
	*	The teacher noticed the increase in our daughter's attention span since she had the vision therapy...
	*	I helped my son through High School, but he had never read a book before he took the reading therapy with Mr. Day.
	*	I am very impressed with the Spelling Mastery...
	*	My son wrote a letter to his friend...and he enjoyed doing it. Great!
	*	Mr. Day develops the discipline not only for the child but for the parents...

Neurofeedback Training for Attention Deficit - Neurotherapy

Goal

Empowers a person to shift the way he/she pays attention. Training helps attention to be maintained when the person chooses to do so even if the task is boring. Training is also a step towards not requiring medication in order to concentrate.

Research based

More than twenty-five years of university research.

Main Conclusions

	*	As effective as stimulant medication in reducing the symptoms of ADD.
	*	Evidence of significant improvement of intelligence, academic performance, and behaviour (Lubar 1991-1996).
	*	No side effects.

How does it work?

The brain produces electricity and brain-waves of different frequencies. A fast computer translates this information into a video display on the computer screen (EEG- electroencephalogram). The EEG is then translated into information that the subject can learn from. People with attention problems produce an abundance of slow waves and less fast wave activity which results in “tuning out”. The neurofeedback training aims at reducing the amount of slow waves and increasing the production of fast wave activity which is needed for concentration. Biofeedback is also used to produce an optimal state of physiological functioning, which when combined with alertness, improves the reaction time and response accurancy.

Assessment

The assessment is done using The Learning Curve (TLC) which allows to identify four major systems that can show significant disregulation in the brain functions. The assessment is done comparing the right and left, front and back functionning of the brain while considering it as a feedback-looped whole with a highly-connected system. The neurofeedback training is determned on these findings in combination to the answers from a subjective questionnaire.

Frequency

At least 2 times per week

Duration

Depends on the severity of the problems

Cost:

$80.00 per hour

Processing Skills - Brain Training

Fast For Word - The scientific roots

A computer-based language training program developed by scientists at Rutgers University and the University of California at San Francisco. Dr. Tallal, one of the main scientists, found evidence that speed of processing was the root problem with children with language-learning difficulties (including reading difficulties – dyslexia).

The Fast ForWord exercises develop a child’s ability to distinguish the rapidly changing phonological elements of speech.

For example, you can stretch the sound “a” but you cannot stretch the sounds like “d”, “p”,”t” which need few milli seconds to be processed. When sounds are put together to form a word the complexity in the speed of processing is increased: the space between each sound needs to be processed in few milli seconds. The children, and adults, with language-learning difficulties, will “chunk” the sounds together in the attempt to deal with this difficulty but they will have a very hard time perceiving the number of sounds involved.

Fast ForWord uses acoustically modified speech, based on complex mathematical algorithms, to train children to understand, process and reproduce spoken language more effectively. Fast ForWord has been shown to improve: auditory processing speed, working memory, serial order processing, phonemic awareness, listening comprehension, syntax, and morphology.

An Internet-based program that you can do at home.

Frequency

100 minutes per day

Duration

12 weeks to 6 months

Cost:

$2,000.00 (approximately)

Vison Development Therapy

Under the supervision of a developmental optometrist, Dr. Rich Thompson (www.drrickthompson.ca)

Nearpoint stress, despite 20/20 distance clarity, has been shown to lead to the development of visual problems and aye conditions. Since eighty percent of learning occurs by way of the eyes, inefficient visual function can adversely affect all aspects of one’s life, including academic achievement.

Vision therapy is a term that describes a number of procedures that stimulate vision, and enhance visual skills that allow effortless, efficient vision. Many of these procedures have been with us since the late nineteenth and the early twentieth centuries. Some say vision therapy is like physiotherapy or occupational therapy for the eyes. Others may use the term eye exercises or vision training. Vision is intimately connected to the senses of balance, touch, and proprioception, thus during vision therapy the patient must learn to use these senses harmoniously. The term sensory integration is used to describe how we use these senses together. Moreover, control of our muscles (motor control) including fine motor, gross motor, speech, and oculomotor (eye movement) must work together with all of the senses including vision.

During vision therapy we may use a balance board, lenses, pencil, ball, bean bag, as well as complex specialized equipment to help use our vision, including integration of vision with the other senses, and coordinate our senses with our movement.

Syntonics or photolight therapy is a vision therapy procedure that is the application of selected wavelengths of light or colours to stimulate the eyes. The theory of syntonics is based on the premise that the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system are not synchronized and unbalanced in some people. Syntonic therapy begins to balance these two systems. In practice, peripheral vision is affected when these two systems are not in balance. This in turn causes difficulties with the other visual skills especially tracking, fixation, and binocularity. The reasons for an unbalanced system can be due to toxicity (e.g. history of fevers, physical trauma, or psychological trauma. The specific patterns of peripheral vision loss are best determined using kinetic field tests. These patterns of peripheral field loss are not always easily interpreted on automated static field testers. The literature describes these as functional or hysterical field losses. For most cases, the term “hysterical” may be too strong, misleading or inaccurate. The functional field losses seem to be related to either hypo or hyper arousal of the sympathetic nervous system.

In-office therapy is often suggested due to the availability of specialized equipment, the course of treatment can be changed in progress, and compliance can be monitored closely. This can be done as little as 3 times per week, and as much as 10 times per week. If the latter intensive option is selected, the sessions are twice per day and 4 hours apart. Some people from out of town may choose to stay in a hotel or stay with friends to cut down travel time.

For more information about vision therapy in general, go to: www.visiontherapy.org.

Standardized Testing for Homeschoolers

Advantages of Academic Standardized Testing:
They provide a measure of achievement in the academic basic skills in comparaison with thousands of children in Canada. They allow homeschooling parents to assess the weaknesses and strengths of their children in order to re-examine their teaching objectives in relation to the child’sneeds. These tests can be done a home. The results belong to the parents who choose what they want to do with them.

Canadian Achievement Tests (CAT/3)

Content:

	*	Reading: word analysis, vocabulary and comprehension.
	*	Spelling.
	*	Language: mechanics, expression.
	*	Mathematics: concepts & applications, computation.

Population:

Grade 1 through Post-Secondary

Cost:

		$55.00 for the first child
		$45.00 for each additional child (when ordered at the same time as the first child)

Canadian Test of Cognitive Skills (TCS)

Measures the cognitive abilities important for scholastic success.

Content:

	*	Sequences: ability to comprehend a rule or principle implicit in a pattern of figures, letters or numbers.
	*	Analogies: ability to discern various literal and symbolic relationships.
	*	Memory: ability to recall paired pictures or nonsense words.
	*	Verbal Reasoning: ability to reason deductively, analyze category attributes and discern verbal relationships and patterns.

Population:

Grade 2 through Grade 12

Cost:

		$55.00 for the first child
		$45.00 for each additional child

Predicted Achievement

The CTCS may be used in combination with the CAT/3 to estimate the extent to which your students are achieving in comparison with students of similar age, and academic aptitude.

Cost:

		$95.00 when CAT / 3 and CTCS are ordered together for the first child.
		$85.00 for each additional child

WECHSLER INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT TEST, SECOND EDITION (WIAT-II)

	*	For more detailed testing, the WIAT-II needs to be administered by a professional
	*	Provides a more accurate reading of achievement. This test is not available to do at home.

It contains:

	Word Reading:	The student reads as quickly as possible from a list of words.
	Pseudoword Decoding:	The student uses her phonetic knowledge to sound out nonsense or unfamiliar words.
	Reading Comprehension:	The student reads sentences and short passages and then answers questions about the main idea, specific details, or the order of events. She is also asked to make inferences, draw conclusions, or define unfamiliar words by using context clues.
	Spelling:	The student spells a target word based on its meaning as it is used in a sentence.
	Written Expression:	The student writes sentences, paragraph(s), or an essay according to her age.
	Numerical Operations:	The student solves written math problems requiring addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
	Math Reasoning:	The student solves word problems requiring single or multiple steps related to time, money, measurement, geometry, probability, and reading and interpreting graphs.

Cost:

$150.00 -- it takes approximately one hour

GED Practice Tests: Test of General Educational Development

Canadian Edition

These tests are similar in content, difficulty,and format to the actual GED Tests. They provide you with a solid introduction to the types of topics and questions you can expect to find on the GED Tests. The scores you earn will help you estimate your scores on the actual GED Tests.

Content:

	*	Language Arts, Reading
	*	Language Arts Writing
	*	Social Studies
	*	Science
	*	Mathematics

Population:

At the end of High School and for adults who have not completed High School.

Cost:

		$55.00 for the first student
		$45.00 for each additional student


	Guidelines for The Use of Standardized Tests
	Click here to view the guidelines in PDF format Click here to download the guidelines in zip format

Cds for Sale

Suzanne Day ( Alberta Home Education Assocation 2003 Convention).

	*	What Everyone Should Know about Dyslexia
	*	What Everyone Should Know about Gifted Children
	*	What is ADD and Different Interventions
	*	What Everyone Should Know about Processing Information

Suzanne Day ( Alberta Home Education Assocation 2005 Convention).

	*	What Everyone Should Know about Visual Processing Skills
	*	What Everyone Should Know about Auditory Processing Skills

David Day ( Alberta Home Education Assocation 2003 Convention).

	*	Techniques for the Hard to Teach in Reading and Spelling
	*	Simultaneous Multisensory Teaching
	*	Homeschooling God's Way
	*	Strategies to Improve Attention Behaviours

Cost:

$5.00 each - plus taxes and shipping



	Designed by J La ROCHELLE and M TREMBLAY	© 2001-2005. Last Modified - February 2008