FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Beyond Basics do?

Our unique, holistic, intensive, multi-sensory, proven curriculum makes it possible for low-literacy students to become proficient readers. Our students work one-on-one with tutors, five days per week in order to achieve proficiency.

At the outset of the tutoring process, the Woodcock Reading Mastery (WRMT III) test is administered to all students. This intake test allows us to determine the severity of a student’s needs. Once we have the results, a “prescription” is created for the student. From there, we can create a unique literacy program for the student based on their needs in order to guarantee success.

Why literacy?

As a social issue, literacy is the pathway to equity. Our work proves that our national low literacy levels are a solvable problem. Investing in literacy intervention has a high rate of return for communities and economies.

On an individual level, for each and every student, literacy brings increased personal opportunity. Students reading at their own grade level experience tangibles like education achievement and future income, as well as intangibles like self-confidence and joy.

 

What does a Beyond Basics classroom look like?

Beyond Basics partners with schools, community centers, and others to create spaces for students to work one-on-one with our professional tutors trained in mulitsensory curriculum instruction. In these joyful, focused classrooms, the tutors give intensive, daily lessons prepared for each individual. The lessons build on existing knowledge through Orton-Gillingham-based direct instruction, Tattum board work, reinforcing reading materials, and expanding horizons activities that develop the skills necessary to read more fluently and with deeper comprehension.

How are your tutors different from those in other reading programs?

The Beyond Basics tutor is trained and tested in our 3-pronged literacy intervention curriculum, including the Orton-Gillingham and Tattum methods. Supported by the input of certified teachers and program staff, these paid and vetted professionals provide daily, direct, one-on-one instruction, tracking student progress.

While we appreciate all efforts toward building a strong literacy ecosystem, we are especially proud of our dedicated professionals who do the intense work of individualized phonics and phonemics lessons without losing sight of the joy and pleasure of reading.

Is your methodology proven to be successful?

In 2016, Dr. D. Carl Freeman of Wayne State University and Dr. Hilary Horn Ratner conducted a blind study in order to analyze the effectiveness of the Beyond Basics programs. This is a direct quote from Dr. Freeman in his results report:

“The data are unequivocal. Students who participate in the Beyond Basics reading program made more than twice the progress in reading comprehension as was made by the control group, and passage comprehension increased more than threefold.”

As well, the outpouring of positive feedback from students, parents, teachers, and principals describing how the program has changed a student's life for the better, supports and validates the scientific results. As one student said, "Now that I can read, I want to pay it forward, and make sure the next generation can, too."

How is your program funded?

Individuals schools and other partner organizations bring our program to students through a variety of funding sources, including public, private, business, and philanthropic dollars.

What role do the arts and other enrichment activities play in literacy?

For more than 20 years, Beyond Basics has been committed to evidence-based literacy interventions. We know that students with a broad range of knowledge, experience, and opportunities for self-expression are building roads for comprehension, improving their literacy outcomes.

The arts and enrichment activities we include and design for our curriculum are essential, and when combined with our Orton-Gillingham and Tattum-based instruction, students thrive.

How can I enroll my student, or get more information?

The program does not have an age limit. We have worked with students from kindergarten through older citizens.

If you are interested in enrolling your loved one in our program, please contact us at info@beyondbasics.org or (248)-250-9304.

Beyond Basics Logo
18000 West Nine Mile Road
Suite 450
Southfield, MI 48075

Contact Us

248-250-9304
Fax: 248-996-9577

info@beyondbasics.org