The study, an interim report, from the University of Coventry, was based on a sample of 63 children in England, between the ages of 8 to 12.

“If we are seeing a decline in literacy standards among young children, it is in spite of text messaging not because of it,” researcher Clare Wood. The use of text language “was actually driving the development of phonological awareness and reading skill in children,” she said.

Although this is just an interim report, we find these conclusions somewhat misleading.

Spelling and word recognition are just one aspect of literacy. Practicing language skills is valuable, however most text messages are short comments or responses.

Today’s students, more than ever, need to learn to organize their ideas, make coherent arguments, and present information in ways that are clear and concise.

Students who need help with their literacy skills benefit immeasurably from personalized and intensive support. This is where educational software programs like Paragraph Punch and Essay Punch fit in.

When writing with the Punch programs students are guided step-by-step through the writing process. They receive individualized help and feedback throughout. Students of a wide range of abilities are able to experience success.

Robin Hansen, a special needs parent and an advisor to the San Francisco Unified School District, has a valuable perspective on special education worth reading.

Robin writes that as a “special ed” mom she has learned that very few people really understand special ed kids.

“There are all kinds of stereotypes out there. I want to put a human face on special ed children (and families) so we ALL understand why we all need to care NOW.”"

“The average special education child has a normal to high intelligence and has the potential of going to college and being a fully functioning, economically self-sufficient adult. These children just need additional supports to meet that goal.”

Research by the Alliance for Excellence in Education has documented the high costs associated with high school dropouts.  These costs make supporting special education a worthwhile and necessary endeavor.

Many dropouts come from the lower quartile in a class and do not feel they can read well enough to keep up in school.  Many have been in special education programs.

Just last week, the Oregon Department of Education reported that one in eight of Oregon’s school-age children qualifies for special education, with learning disabilities the leading cause.  Based on our experience with parents, teachers and therapists, this percentage is representative of every other state in the U.S. too.

There is a great need for teachers to find ways to help students with learning disabilities.  Assistive learning technologies like Merit Software have an enormous potential to help teachers.  Self-paced software that breaks concepts down into understandable parts helps special needs students overcome problems with comprehension, problem solving, organizing and communication skills.

What do you think should be done to help students who need extra supports?