Garden Reading Program provides structured reading instruction for students with reading challenges (dyslexia). Studies have shown that as many as 20% of people in the US have dyslexia. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability (SLD) characterized by difficulties in reading and spelling words and oral fluency. It is the most common learning disability. In LAUSD, there are ~29,000 students with dyslexia and many more who go undiagnosed even as adults. 

Unfortunately, these students do not receive enough reading support and intervention at school. As a result, they do not become proficient readers and continue to fall behind year after year. Because of their constant academic struggles, many children suffer socially and emotionally with anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression and they have higher rates of incarceration, substance abuse, school dropouts and thoughts of suicide.

Because dyslexia has no connection to intelligence, people with dyslexia can be taught to read with proper instruction and become very successful people (see a list of famous dyslexics).

If you are interested in finding out more about dyslexia, please check these resources.