Legacy of Learning helps at-risk students turn around their game in the classroom

Not all kids learn the same way, especially if they are dyslexic, autistic or suffer from some form of sensory overload and are easily distracted.

It’s not that they aren’t capable of learning, they just need be taught differently, said Iris Lee, program director of Legacy of Learning in Boulder.

Lee said the nonprofit is having success in providing an alternative method of teaching fundamental skills in reading, writing, spelling, math and critical thinking through its tutoring programs.

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Legacy of Learning is using Direct Instruction, a controversial teaching technique developed by Drs. Seigfried Engelmann and Wesley Becker in the late 1960s. The technique emphasizes the use of small-group, face-to-face instruction by teachers and aides using carefully scripted lesson plans and structured teaching techniques.

“This method has been the most researched and most misunderstood,” Lee said, referring to the national debates among teachers and school districts since Direct Instruction was debuted in 1968.

Part of what has made Engelmann’s program so disliked in many quarters is that it removes the chance for teacher error. In essence, the popular valuing of teacher creativity and autonomy as high priorities give way to following certain carefully prescribed instructional practices. Engelmann created the program based on years of clinical research.

“It’s often criticized for being too regimented, too structured, too much like the military,” Lee said. “But over the years it has been proven to work. We can help struggling students improve by several grade levels.”

The method is based on the theory that clear instruction eliminating misinterpretations can improve and accelerate learning. For example, teachers talk in low voices and refrain from being animated in their movements. Working face-to-face with students, they tackle complex tasks one element at a time and don’t go on to the next one until the previous one is completely understood. When teaching spelling, the letters of words are said rhythmically by the teacher and the student repeats the letters at the same pace the teacher delivers them.

“It’s just like a dancer trying to learn new choreography or a football player learning a new play. They practice the same thing over and over again until they get it right,” Lee explained.

“We make sure we praise our students when they get something correct. We praise them on a ratio of four to one, praises to corrections,” Lee said. “And we don’t try and move to fast. We introduce only 10 percent new material each lesson.”

In October 2011, a study conducted by the American Institutes for Research’s Comprehensive School Reform Quality Center, rated the Direct Instruction method “moderately strong,” the highest rating given.

Jake’s story

Jake Leslie, now 17, was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder when he was in kindergarten. ADHD, a problem with inattentiveness, over-activity and impulsiveness, plagued Jake. He hated school. He attended private school before moving to public middle school where he was placed in special education.

“Jake always wanted to get good grades. He never had a problem with discipline,” said his mother, Lorraine Leslie. “But he struggled all the time. As a parent, it’s the hardest thing to see your child work so hard and simply fail.”

Prior to Jake entering ninth grade, he began taking classes at Legacy of Learning. Dreading the start of the school year, Lorraine recalled they were both “scared to death.” But to their surprise, Jake began bringing home A’s and B’s. “He conquered his disability; he learned how to learn because of the programs Legacy of Learning supported,” Lorraine said.

Making headway

Legacy of Learning was established in 1998 to combat illiteracy by funding students of economically challenged families. Over years the program expanded and evolved. Hundreds of instructors and volunteer teachers have educated more than 125 low-income students at centers in Louisville and Boulder.

Lee, who also serves as the director of Dreamcatcher Direct Instruction Centers, a segment of Dreamcatcher, Legacy’s sister nonprofit organization, said there has been a significant increase in the acceptance of Direct Instruction this past year.

“We have had more referrals than any previous year, and families are simply walking in and requesting services for their children,” she said.

Recently the organization was approved for a $10,000 work-study grant from the University of Colorado.

Legacy’s teachers not only work at the center, but also onsite at Justice High, the college prep school for students who are truant, expelled or in the criminal justice system. And they recently began teaching classes at Columbine Elementary in the Boulder Valley School District.

Lee said the organization’s proudest accomplishment is witnessing dramatic changes in its students.

“Our philosophy is based on the belief that all students can learn, regardless of their histories, behavioral patterns or learning preferences. With our academic system, students suffering from low self-esteem are discovering untapped resources and finding their unlimited potential.”

Funding challenges

Legacy of Learning is operating on a budget of $85,000 this year, and is always looking for financial support. It pays some of its teachers, and other teachers volunteer their time.

“We charge a sliding scale, and some students are tutored for free. We don’t turn anyone away. We find a way to make it work, Lee said.

Lee said donations are the organization’s greatest need.

“We rely on financial contributions from our community and local and national foundations to support our work. We also need more volunteer teachers who can commit two hours a week for four months.

Legacy of Learning has active and successful relationships with Boulder County Juvenile Diversion Program, the I Have a Dream Foundation, Boulder County Social Services, SOAR High School, Boulder County Mentoring Partners, Workforce Boulder County, Confident Living, Family Recovery Centers and Imagine! Innovative Resources for Cognitive and Physical Challenges.