Miracles Happen When the Gift of Reading Is Obtained

December 2005

At the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, miracles are becoming a frequent occurrence. Just speak to Shirley A. Derbis, who can tell you all about how learning to read – which is no small miracle in and of itself – is creating miracles in the lives of her students.

A literacy program called Reading Horizons is aiding Derbis in her efforts and is contributing to these miracles. This program is designed especially for adults and is respectful of adult learning styles and abilities The students like the method so much, she says, that they ask the tutors to use it.

One such miracle is the case of Patty*. When Patty came to the literacy council, her goal was to be able to read aloud. Because others had made fun of her inability to read aloud, it spurred her on to success.

“Patty recently read aloud at a pre-school,” Derbis notes, “and she did such a good job, they want her to come back! No one can make fun of her now.”

Alan*, another student, has more confidence now that he has begun to learn to read, and he is reading everything he can get his hands on – things such as his mail and recipes. He even registered to vote recently. Alan made almost two grade-level gains in reading ability after only about 72 hours of tutoring.

For more information about the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, please visit their Web site at www.gplc.org. To learn more about Reading Horizons, please go to www.readinghorizons.com on the Web.

*Names have been changed