Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of student will benefit from this program?

1. What type of student will benefit from this program?

This program benefits children that have been diagnosed with, or are suspected to have Dyslexia, a language-based learning difference, or who struggle with reading writing and spelling. If you observe two or more of the following behaviors in your child, the Verticy Learning curriculum may be appropriate:

• inability to quickly identify names of letters, numbers, shapes and colors when exposed to them in random sequences
• an actual diagnosis of a language-based learning difference such as dyslexia
• poor performance on tested material that was well-known right after studying
• requests for clarification immediately after receiving instructions

A student with an LLD has a disorder in one or more of the basic processes involved in understanding or using language, written or spoken. This disorder may be seen as a decreased ability to listen, remember, read, write, spell, or do math. The LLD term does not include delays that might be associated with visual, hearing, or motor handicaps or related to environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage.

2. What type of student was the program designed to help?

Verticy is designed for struggling readers and students who exhibit the characteristics of language-based learning differences:

• Struggles with reading, writing or spelling
• Faces difficulty decoding words
• Exhibits strong listening comprehension skills, but struggles when reading independently
• Experiences issues with memory and retention
• Performs below grade level in reading and writing
• Benefits from a variety of instructional techniques: visual, auditory, tactile, kinesthetic
• Exhibits frustration and may resist learning

3. Is Verticy appropriate for students with Dyslexia, Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, ADD, or ADHD?

Verticy may be appropriate for your child if you answer yes to any of the following questions.

• Does your child struggle with reading due to difficulty in sounding out words?
• Does your child struggle with spelling due to difficulty associating sounds to the written letter?
• Do reading and spelling difficulties impact your child's written expression?

No. We offer programs for elementary and middle school students who are currently reading below grade level. Regardless of age, if your child's skill-set is aligned with one of our programs, you are encouraged to enroll. We also offer reading and writing intervention programs for ages 6 and up.

6. Can I use Verticy if I don't plan on homeschooling?

We offer supplemental and intervention programs for students from ages 6 and up to support instruction in reading, writing, spelling and math. These programs can be used as after-school or summer programs.

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7. Who can use/teach Verticy?

Verticy can be easily implemented by:

• Homeschooling parents
• Parents of students who attend traditional schools
• Tutors and volunteers, during or after school
• Schools and reading intervention programs
• Educators with and without specialized training

8. What is included in the curriculum?

All the traditional components of the Calvert School curriculum: Science, History/Social Studies, Picture Study/Art, Geography, Computer Skills, and Math. The Math course comes with a companion strategy book with vocabulary, skill manipulation, and a game strategy section.

Language Arts consists of a Phonics/Spelling and Grammar/Composition program that is based on the Orton-Gillingham method of multi-sensory learning. Students learn letter sounds to facilitate spelling and reading, getting the feel of the correctly pronounced sounds. The student moves from known to new material, alternating reading and spelling so that both develop together as skills. Regular practice, through the use of spelling and Reading Deck cards, brings about the automatic response, which enables better comprehension and attention to concepts. These skills are paired with spelling rules and generalizations, grammar and composition, vocabulary and comprehension, and formal and informal assessment. This program includes educational components students can access electronically.

9. How can home schooling work for a student with a language-based learning difference?

Home schooling allows students who require special accommodations to learn in a customized environment through one-on-one instruction. The home schooling setting naturally provides many of the accommodations some students with special needs receive through their publicly funded Individualized Education Programs, such as small group instruction, preferential seating, frequent breaks, extended testing time, and access to a variety of assistive technologies.

The Verticy Learning curriculum blends the respected Calvert School Scholastic curriculum with a nationally recognized approach to reading, created by Jemicy School and based on Orton-Gillingham teaching and learning methodologies. It was created by credentialed leaders in the language-based learning instruction field. Students will receive a sequential and multi-sensory approach to their reading instruction (decoding), comprehension, and written expression.

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10. What is required of the Learning Guide?

Each phase of the curriculum is presented and explained in a detailed fashion. Before teaching the course, the Learning Guide reads the Lesson Manuals that explain, define, and teach important strategies that are part of the program's foundation. The Lesson Manual is your partner in organization, structure, application, and administration.

Students with language-based learning differences need more structure, consistency, and instructional and practice time than other students. The following elements are necessary for your student to succeed with Verticy:

• Home school on a regular basis. Commit to teaching a minimum of five out of seven days per week, preferably schooling year-round. If the family takes a summer break or extended vacation, the student will continue practice and review work at least two to three days a week.
• Follow the reading schedule without skipping lessons or doubling lessons.
• Provide the student with an uncluttered and distraction-free workspace where materials can be stored, labeled, and easily managed.

11. Do I need to be a special educator to use Verticy?

Absolutely not. Verticy's Education Counselors are available to assist the Learning Guide in meeting the child's specific needs. Teaching suggestions and detailed explanations are offered in the Lesson Manual. An audio and video resource library will be available for families to observe and learn the skills necessary to teach the curriculum.

12. If my child has a current Individualized Education Program (IEP) from his or her public school, will Verticy Learning follow it?

Verticy Learning does not participate in the creation or implementation of IEPs. The use of IEPs, as mandated by the Individuals with Differences Education Act (IDEA), applies to students enrolled in publicly funded institutions at the time of implementation.

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13. Will my child receive a transcript and/or a certificate of completion from Verticy Learning?

To receive a transcript and certificate of completion for the program, a student must satisfactorily complete the course and be enrolled in the Advisory Teaching Service.

14. Should I submit copies of my student's records (standardized testing scores, IEP, evaluations, etc.) with the Verticy Learning placement test?

Verticy Learning does not need copies of these documents for our placement purposes, but it never hurts to have copies securely stored at home.

15. How much does this program cost?

Please see our Pricing and Payment Information page for details.

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