What is the Science of Reading? The talk will take a quick dive into learning more about the Simple View of Reading formula, what it takes to become a skilled reader and how our brain's neuroplasticity is a vital component to building successful readers.
Rotarian Kari Owens is the Title 1 Reading teacher at Westside School in River Falls. She has been instrumental for years in coordinating our Rotary Readers program. Kari will introduce her colleague, Starla Dixen as the main presenter on the science of reading.
Starla Dixen is a seasoned teacher who is passionate about reading after being trained and certified in Orton-Gillingham; a scientific, explicit and multi-sensory method of teaching reading for all students, but vital for dyslexic and struggling readers of all ages. She was the Growth Opportunities for All Learners (GOAL) teacher at St. Bridget's Parish School for seven years and is currently guest teaching for the River Falls district, along with leading her own tutoring program.