LexiaUK

Alwoodley Primary School, Leeds

We are currently using Lexia as a Wave 3 intervention with Y4, 5 and 6 pupils for two months. The progress our children have made in a small amount of time has been phenomenal.  They have all increased their reading age by more than 4 months and 50% have increased their reading age by between a year and 18 months.

The software appeals to children because it is colourful, contains animation and sound and enables them to monitor their own progress and to work at their own pace.

Lexia has more than fulfilled our expectations.  We have been incredibly impressed in the short time we have used this program and would thoroughly recommend it.

C. Pattenden, Y6 Teacher, Alwoodley School, Leeds

Birchwood Primary School, Kent

Because the Quick Reading Test is so quick and easy to administer, we use it to identify gaps in the phonetic understanding of all our Y3 & Y4 pupils.  We get instant feedback on a child’s abilities, and use this information to select the appropriate support material from the Lexia reading software.

Colin Haetley, Head Teacher

St. Mary’s Primary School, Droylsden

We use Lexia across KS1 and 2 and found the program placement very quick and easy using the Quick Reading Test.

We use Lexia in two areas:

Our computer club- children come to use Lexia before and after school. They are extremely motivated as they realise they are learning.  The program gives instant feedback by filling the activity ladders in.

After a recent visit from our Educational Psychologist, an Y6 pupil was re-tested after using Lexia for 4 months.  He had made significant progress in reading and spelling: Spelling: 9th. To 21st. Percentile.  Reading: 19th. To 47th. Percentile.

We also use Lexia as part of our SEN teaching.  We put pupils through Lexia on a daily basis by running a carousel system.  Using Lexia means more children can be withdrawn from classes for tailored learning at their own level i.e. personalised learning.

All children enjoy using Lexia. The only problem is getting them off it!!!

Paula Barrett/ Keeley Kay, SENCo’s, St. Mary’s School, Droylsden

Holy Trinity C of E Primary, Oldham

Holy Trinity C of E School is a small primary school with mixed year groups in KS2. Our recent Ofsted inspection rated us as outstanding in all six areas of inspection.

We chose to use the Lexia Foundation Reading program with a group of six children, 2 from Y3 and 4 from Y4.  By initially using the Lexia Reading Assessment we were able to place the children at appropriate levels on the program.

The program was run for twelve weeks in the Autumn Term. The children were withdrawn from class for 3 x 30 minute sessions each week, supported by an LSA. The Neale Analysis was used at the beginning and end of the twelve weeks to assess reading rate, accuracy and comprehension.

Only one of the children failed to make the expected rate of progress, but this highlighted to us that this child has more exceptional needs.  All five other children have made gains in their reading accuracy beyond the 3 month increase, with two children making more than double the expected increase and one child making three times the expected increase.

A noticeable result is that in nearly all of the children their reading rate has slowed down but their levels of comprehension have made increases of up to 18 months.  Within class these children are now able to access more written information and consequently can work and concentrate with more independence.

All of the children have enjoyed using Lexia so much that they have asked to continue it next term.

The Lexia Foundation Reading program has been simple to set up and administer.  More importantly it has produced the results we were seeking, both in terms of the progress made with the children’s reading and also with their motivation.

Gaynor O’Ryan, SENCo.

Priory School, North Tyneside

Lexia is used 4 times weekly for 15 students during silent reading time. (1.15-1.30pm). the students work in the ICT suite, under the supervision of a support assistant.

Most of the children absolutely love the programme, and were devastated recently when the absence of the support assistant did prevent them from using the programme.

They eagerly ask ‘is it Lexia time?’

I’ve only re-tested 2 children, so far for review meetings and so far the progress is very pleasing.

It is very good to be able to graphically demonstrate progress to parents.

Mrs Melbourne, School Teacher

Badger Hill Primary, York

The program enthrals the pupils.  Their self-esteem is raised instantly through positive input and feedback.  The program identifies weaknesses and allows the children to address their learning difficulties in a ‘fun’ way.

The beam on the children’s faces speaks volumes.  LSA’s are confident in its use and they feel as though they are making a positive contribution to the children’s learning.

Mrs L.P.Rennolf

Eastbrook SpLD Base

Base As a resource base for 30 primary schools, we recommend Lexia Basic Reading as a useful programme to boost older KS2 pupils’ basic reading skills.  Target pupils are SpLD- trialled the programme 2 years ago for Autumn Term with Year 6 pupils.

Pupils enjoyed the programme, became more motivated, gained confidence, and enjoyed working independently.  Pupils found ‘E-Maze’ and ‘Find & Combine’ levels tricky.  We made individual pupil record cards, so progress, details of the programme were written down.

Sue Payne, SENCo

Woolgrove School, Herts

Lexia is becoming very popular! The teachers, who have used it so far, are singing its praises and the pupils have shown their achievements in the Friday 'Star' assemblies with great pride.  I am really looking forward to next term --- when my class get to use it.

Sue Selley, Head of juniors

Ridgeway Primary School, South Shields

We currently use the Lexia programme with our pupil with moderate learning difficulties, 3-5 timetabled sessions each week.  It is also used by other children who have IEP’s (individual Education Plans) as a valuable resource to support their targets.

The children and I can see instantly where they have improved after each session, this in itself boosts self-esteem.

Also, reports can be compared and overall achievement can be viewed or printed for record keeping purposes.  Regular users are able to access their individual programmes independently and with little supervision, which increases their self-esteem again.

V Lumley, SENCo Support Teacher

Marriotts School, Hertfordshire

Reluctant Readers enjoy Lexia – they think of it as a game. Most students’s using Lexia so for 2 x 20min/week.  Some others manage a little more.

Gives practice with phonics – identifies areas of difficulty.   A student's reading age has risen from 6:05 to 8:09 in 10 months.

Mrs Monica Fox

St Mary’s R.C School, Bridlington

We use the Lexia Programme with 18 children in our school.  6 in year 4, 6 in Year 5 and 6 in Year 3.

We began the trial with 11 children in the November.  2 children in Year 5 made considerable gains when the trail finished after 4 months, 8 children made small gains.  We have since purchased the programme and tested another 7 children to go on the programme, 9 of the children are on the SEN register, and 9 are either area of concern of have been seen to have lower R.A than expected.

The children enjoyed the programme and are always willing and eager to go on watch day.  It increases independence and the children like the fact that they don’t need any adult support which SEN children often need.  The teachers in all three classes have seen improvements concentrations.

The programme is effective in the way it only moves children on when they progress to a certain level.  It prints reports that are very comprehensive and immediately allows us to see which area a child has struggled with.

Mrs S Clarke, SENCo

Poppleton Road Primary School, York

We use Lexia programme with approx. 20 children throughout KS2.  Most are at SA+ and 3 have a diagnosis of dyslexia/dyspraxia.  The children have been working on Lexia twice a week (sometimes 3) for 30minutes each session.

Two Year 6 children have completed the basic programme and are currently working through the advanced programme.

Pupils comments are positive, comments include:  ‘Lexia is fun’, ‘It has improved my concentration’ and ‘This is best kind of learning for me.   I’ve never found a fun way of learning literacy since this!’

Lexia has been a big success in terms of motivation, concentration, self-esteem and confidence building.  It is easy to use and manage and as an intervention programme is fantastic.  I am hoping to extend its use to other identified groups of children, particularly in KS1.

Judith Hands SENCo KS2

Westfield Community School, Somerset

Just a quick note about Lexia Cross Trainer; the parents of a child came in to thank me for letting their child take part in the trial as her attitude to maths had improved to such an extent she was actually wanting to come to school for the first time ever. She said that she now had an understanding of maths which she could never seen before.

Gill Wood

Whale Hill Primary, Cleveland

The Children responded well to the intervention and needed no persuasion to engage with Lexia.  This was particularly impressive, given that Lexia interventions all took place as an ‘extra’ input at lunchtimes.  Boys appear to have been particularly successful using Lexia, motivated no doubt by the visual learning opportunities provided through ICT.

All in all, we have been really impressed with Lexia as a package.  We could certainly recommend it to others.  As part of a range of very successful interventions, Lexia has undoubtedly worked for our children and we plan to incorporate it accordingly into our future provision.

Norma Newell, Head Teacher

Bankside Primary, Leeds, West Yorkshire

We were looking at a way to assess children new to the school that was effective and quick.  We also wanted to be able to track their progress to be sure we were meeting their needs.

Many of our children come from other countries and for most this is the first real formal education in English.

We are happy with the software and service we have received.  It is meeting our needs and providing useful knowledge to better educate our children.  We are happy with the product.

Mrs Tammie Prince

Parent using Lexia for child at home:

May I take this opportunity to thank you and your company for your great kindness and trust to allow me the opportunity to have these products for trial.  My son is on the Autistic spectrum and your programs have helped and greatly improved with the following:

1. Auditory Discrimination: Tobias was struggling to discriminate between quiet sounds like f, b and t at the beginning and end of words.  He is now consistently and correctly discriminating between these sounds.
2. Identification of sounds in words enabling him to correctly spell cvc words he had never been able to do before. I had tried to use ----- ------- for nearly two years to achieve this with no success.
3. Pronunciation: as he has become more aware of the sounds that make up words this has greatly improved his pronunciation and his speech is a lot clearer.

Your programs have helped Tobias far beyond reading. What is great is that it is very easy to use and he can see his progress updated in a chart which he finds very motivating.

I have posted your details on a special needs forum, advising other parents to buy your software.

Zobeeda Madsen

St Cuthbert’s RC, Walbottle

We are currently using Lexia program with the children who have been underperforming in KS1 with reading.  They are all making some good progress in reading.  ‘I like to play the games’ class 1 child.

We have been using Cami Malus since Easter and the children in my class enjoy the activities.  We use Cami Maths on the interactive whiteboard (whole class) laptop for individuals.

Individuals have enjoyed working through the exercises and have become absorbed in the activities.

Melanie Batey, SENCo

Whitby Community College, Whitby

Students at Whitby Community College range from Yr 10 – Yr 13. Students have used the programme twice a week. It is difficult to fit more time in, as they can’t miss many of their GCSE subject lessons.

Teaching assistants have been useful to reinforce vowel sounds and the reading passages are a suitable strength to maintain the interest of the student for their syllable work is invaluable.

Mrs. Carter Brown

Greneway School, Herts

Lexia is working wonders with my Y7 and 8's.  It provides exercises they can do independently without my direct supervision.  This frees up some of my time so that during a lesson I can hear each of them read aloud individually.  After the session, Lexia's reports indicate where each student needs my support in the following lesson.  The children get a terrific buzz at being able to work through the programme at their own speed and I actually talk about how they have turned the things that they find difficult into something that they feel very proud that they have mastered. This is a real achievement for them.

Diane Ash, SENCo

Joseph Rowntree School, York

We use the Lexia programme with students aged 11-15years who have a variety of learning difficulties including dyslexia.   We use the steady progression through the levels and feel the speed is right.

Using Lexia encourages previously disaffected students to concentrate independently.  We feel it is an important contributing factor in reading age gain.  It is easy to follow, and a well designed programme.  Students’ achievements are clearly and instantly visible.

Barbara Reagan, SENCo

Weydon School, Farnham

We currently use Lexia Basic & Lexia Advanced four mornings per week during our ‘Literacy Initiative Club’, which is by me and another LSA.   A group of pupils who have previously been identified as being weak readers are invited to attend.  Pupils arrive at 8.25 and initially they complete some Brain Gym exercises. The pupils then log on to Lexia, spending approximately 30 minutes on it until their first lesson. We have two groups, one of year 7’s and another group made up of year 8’s & 9’s.  They each have the opportunity to spend 2 mornings working on Lexia, making a total of 1 hour per week. In addition to this we also use it during our Literacy Withdrawal sessions within the normal timetable.

The students really enjoy using Lexia and find it easy to operate.  We feel that being able to see their own progress on screen by working up the ‘ladder’ promotes their self esteem and helps motivate them to increase their achievements, as they discuss their progress with each other.

We feel Lexia is very beneficial to our students and recent reading tests have shown that pupils using Lexia are showing improvements.   The programme is colourful and easy to use.  The children are able to work on it with some degree of independence and they enjoy it.  We feel it is an asset to our literacy resources.

Sonya Rohov, LSA

Burnholme Community College, York

We use Lexia with Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils with learning difficulties during literacy classes.
They have two 20minute sessions per week and are encouraged to do a third session in their own time.

Advantages: Routine, no explanation necessary, increase in reading and spelling ages, helps pupils with ADHD to focus, independence.

Quote from pupil: ‘Lexia is the only time I don’t have to wait for help – I can do it on my own’.

Mrs Amy Morris

Matthew Humberstone Secondary School, Cleethorpes

Our Lexia program is used with students whose reading and spelling age falls below their chronological age. The program is used 2-3 times per week for twenty minute sessions, and is followed by worksheets.

We used to run ---------- before getting Lexia but found all students, even previous re-users, prefer Lexia.

On testing pupils after half term, the majority had improved with both reading and spelling, some so well they no longer need to come to Lexia sessions.

Mrs. Taylor, Learning Support Teacher

Evaluation of Lexia Computerised Reading Programme

In November 2007 a group of fourteen Year Eight boys who were identified as having reading ages of at least two years below their chronological age were selected to follow a reading recovery programme.  A decision was made to trial the Lexia computerised Reading Programme. These boys participated in a  trial for twelve weeks, each attending three, half hour, Lexia sessions per week, followed by a twenty minute  group reading session. The boys reading ages were tested at the start of the programme and again at the end of the twelve week programme.

During the same period, another group of students  who were identified as also having  their reading ages at least two years below their chronological age were provided with a more traditional reading recovery programme, supplied by a reading support worker.

When comparing the two groups of students it was found that the group who had followed the Lexia Programme had made up to 6-8 weeks more progress than the other group of students who followed the more traditional approach.

The Ridings School

Fairfield High School, Herefordshire

“I thoroughly recommend Lexia Strategies for Older Students to other secondary schools which have pupils struggling with basic literacy skills.  I discovered Lexia by chance a few years ago when a colleague from the Hereford Learning Support Team asked me to trial to original version.  I used it successfully as part of the literacy workshops I run during form periods each day.  I integrated it with spelling and reading sessions, all of which reinforced the spelling patterns and strategies introduced in the program.  The gradual progression means that pupils can work individually at their own pace, covering a wide range of activities.  The ‘save’ facility means that pupils can return to the exact level they were working on previously.  It is particularly helpful for the teacher to access and interpret pupil progress and see which areas are causing problems.  I find that pupils in Years 7 and 8 respond well to the competitive element in the program and are motivated to try and fill in the columns as quickly as possible so they can move onto the next level.

I understand that the pupil data from the Lexia Foundation Reading program can be slotted into Strategies for Older Students and easily transferred from primary to secondary level, thus creating continuity.  It provides excellent literacy groundwork and as our school is part of a pyramid, with a cluster of four main feeder primaries, the data provided at the primaries would be helpful to staff here at the beginning of Year 7 and would continue the strong links we have already formed.''

Jan Beaton, SEN Team

Darwen Vale High School Engineering College and Extended School

Pupil comments:

“I will try to read new words since I’ve been doing Lexia.”

“I like going on Lexia because I can see how I am moving up a level.”

Teacher comments:

“I have found the levels of reading confidence within the class have improved since using The Lexia Programme.  Far more children are willing to read aloud in front of the class.”

Special Needs Teacher

HMP Service

Used particularly for foreign nationals who welcome the opportunity to sit at a computer and work through the exercises at their own pace!

The students find the programme easy to use & appreciate the sense of achievement which the system creates.

Education Officer, HMP

Momentum Pathways

The Lexia Cross Trainer provides us with another dimension to our vocational rehabilitation programme.

The easy to use interface means it is accessible by all clients and it also provides us with an opportunity to evaluate reasoning and flexibility of thinking.

Elaine Ross, IT Tutor

Birmingham College of Further Education

I am a teacher with 25 years of teaching experience, of which 15 years have been spent working with adults with dyslexia.  I am also dyslexic myself.  I usually view technology with trepidation, however, I feel that ‘Lexia UK’ is a most impressive teaching system and it has generated an enthusiastic response from me because I believe that I can use the system to help many of the adults with whom I work.

Tutor, Birmingham College of Further Education

The Newcastle Basic Skills Service Principal Tutor

Our main aim is to make the students independent. Lexia is self-checking and fun, but not overly childish, which is good. Some other programs are appropriate in their content, but not their presentation, as they are not designed specifically for mature learners, as Lexia is. Not many of our students are PC-literate, so we start them on a mouse-use program when they first enroll and this is sufficient PC training for them to be able to use Lexia proficiently.

The Newcastle Basic Skills Service Principal Tutor, Chris Murray