Frequently Asked Questions
1.Why are Optimum Reading's programs "the right way" to better reading?
Optimum Reading’s products use a combination of processes and techniques that address the perceptual, visual, and cognitive activities that take place during the act of reading. Most other programs only work at the cognitive (thinking process) level of improving reading. The Reading Plus® program ensures that the reader is able to see what they are reading both accurately and efficiently, and in the process, also improves their analysis and understanding of what they read.To Top Of Page
2.Is this a speed-reading program?
No! The goal of the Reading Plus® programs is silent reading fluency. While this will probably result in an improvement in a user’s reading rate, it is a benefit of the program, not the goal. Fluency is the combination of visual effectiveness, perceptual accuracy, and optimal levels of vocabulary and comprehension.To Top Of Page
3.What ages of users do you work with?
Optimum Reading works with children, adolescents and adults. The Reading Plus® programs are best suited to individuals from third grade on up through adult. Programs are individualized to address the reading needs identified in initial assessments. Activities and materials are designed to fit the maturity levels of users.To Top Of Page
4.Can I help someone who is working with the program at home?
The only help that should be given is to help a user understand directions or to navigate through the program successfully. If a user is unable to answer the questions, the level of material needs to be adjusted.To Top Of Page
5.Will users be totally on their own for the full program?
No. All users will be monitored by Optimum Reading. For those working totally online, weekly feedback will be provided, and any concerns should be immediately brought to our attention. Depending on their program, hybrid package users will meet either weekly or bi-weekly with Optimum Reading tutors to both practice the skills needed for maximum growth from the programs, and to address specifically identified comprehension skills and reading needs.To Top Of Page
6.How long does it take for a person to complete a typical program?
After the assessment appointment, Optimum Reading will enter the user in a ten-day trial. This allows the user to become familiar with the different activities. Once a person starts the full Reading Plus Online® program, they activate a four-month subscription, which allows unlimited access to the programs.To Top Of Page
7.What does a typical online session consist of?
A typical session would involve activities improving perception, vocabulary, visual tracking, and comprehension. Total time would be about an hour of focused effort.To Top Of Page
8.What if I do not complete my forty sessions in four months?
The program expires and the sessions are lost. Users who anticipate vacations or work disruptions that would prevent them from completing 40-50 total sessions should consider waiting until they have the time necessary to successfully complete the lessons.To Top Of Page
9.Why is it necessary to have the Visagraph III™ visual testing?
The developers of Reading Plus® have found that shows that 40-60% of people with reading difficulty have a visual processing problem. The Visagraph III™ clearly shows the user if that is the case. This information is also used by staff to monitor and adjust the user’s work with the activities. Finally, it is a clear indicator of the amount of change that occurs over the use of the Reading Plus® program, as measured at the final appointment.To Top Of Page
10.Why do some people have such a hard time reading difficult material?
Reading is not a natural act. It is a learned process, based on the culture and language in which we were raised. Since people learn in a variety of ways, it is reasonable to assume that some people had trouble learning this process in the way it was first taught to them as a child. Couple this with the possibility of a visual or perceptual problem and the likelihood of reading difficulties becomes more easily understood.To Top Of Page
11.Must adult users be fluent in English?
No. The Reading Placement Assessment™ will establish program appropriate to the level of skills shown in the test. Users will gain skills and fluency based on that initial placement. Enough awareness of English must exist to navigate through the program.To Top Of Page