Breaking the "Sound" Barrier Testimonials

"Sandy Martin has used her years of classroom experience to develop an innovative approach to reading instruction rooted in the current evidence base on literacy, including the use of balanced curricular components and explicit instruction.  The Breaking the “Sound” Barrier program presents time-honored strategies and techniques in a fun and interesting manner, and it is geared to increase student engagement across grade levels.  Ms. Martin has incorporated interventions throughout this program that have been linked to student success, such as direct explanation and modeling, guided practice, regular review and maintenance, and frequent checks for mastery.  This program has the potential to fit well within a variety of service-delivery models, including response-to-intervention approaches.  I would recommend that teachers and reading interventionists consider Breaking the “Sound” Barrier as one of the approaches they use with the students they serve."

Dr. Ray W. Christner, PsyD, NCS
School Psychologist, South Middleton School District, PA
Clinical Assistant Professor
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA

“Even after ten years of using Breaking the “Sound” Barrier, it still amazes me to see how excited the students get when they realize they now have strategies to decode and spell words more accurately.  The proof is the high reading posttest scores.”

Ms. Julie Jesmer
4th Grade Teacher
Conewago Valley Intermediate School, PA

“As a parent, I know how hard it can be to find the kind of instruction that is effective in teaching reading to children with dyslexia.  Mrs. Martin’s Breaking the “Sound” Barrier to Fluent Reading program has been a Godsend for my son.  By using her innovative techniques, Joe learned to divide words into readable syllable chunks in a way that engaged his interest, making it both fun and memory-enhancing.  Because of this program, he has made significant gains in his reading abilities.  Who knows how far he can go with continued instruction.  As Mrs. Martin always says, “The sky is the limit.”

Ms. Cathy Deatrick
Parent of 11th grade student
Conewago Valley School District, PA

“When I first came to the middle school, I couldn’t really read that well.  Now I’m up with my classmates.  I can sound out big words and basically do what everybody else can do.  Thanks to Mrs. Martin and her reading program.”

Pat
8th grade learning support student
Conewago Valley School District, PA