Frequently Asked Questions
- How long is the Academic Associates Reading Course?
There are 13 lessons which are usually completed in 30-60 hours of instruction. The time depends on the ability, maturity and desire of the student. The average length of time is 45 hours.
- Does a student have to complete the program?
No. There are no contracts to sign. Lessons are paid for weekly. At least 24 hours of notice is required to cancel with no penalty. Naturally, to receive the maximum benefit students need to complete the course because there are many necessary components to be learned. This will be an investment in your child's future.
- What age student can enter the program?
There is no age limit. Children as young as 4 and 5 have been instructed to give them a good foundation in reading. Adults in their 70s have also taken the course.
- Why do more boys than girls have difficulty reading?
Males make up about 80% of poor readers because of the physiological differences in the neural architecture of their brain. Generally they can process language only in the left hemisphere of their brain, whereas the typical female brain uses both sides. But when males are instructed in the comprehensive Academic Associates'™ course, they learn to read as well and as quickly as females.
- What do students achieve by the end of the course?
Students learn decoding skills to unlock the 1,000,000 + words in English, learn fluency, and increase comprehension. Most, including students with learning disabilities, will gain 2-5 grade levels in reading. Spelling and vocabulary will improve. By Lesson 13 most fifth graders through adults will read and spell college-level words, and comprehend at their own proficiency level or higher.
- Why aren't flash cards and pictures used?
Flash cards are not used because they promote memorization rather than learning to read. Pictures are not used because they promote guessing. Students should NEVER guess at reading words.
