Why isn't speed reading taught in schools?

This question comes up all the time and it is an important one. Reading programs in most elementary, middle, and even high schools in the US are tightly controlled by the school districts. In some districts, teachers can be disciplined and even fired if they stray from the approved curriculum.

Most elementary reading education is fundamentally flawed and igores the last 50 years of research into educational principles and critical understandings of how the brain works. For example, most elementary reading programs teach students to:

1. read one word at a time
2. sound the words aloud in their head while they read
3. read slow when they want to remember what you read

Turns out that this is nearly exactly the opposite of what the brain wants. Yet year after year, schools turn out students, good and not-so-good, who hate reading, who fall asleep and lose their place, and who miss the ideas of what they are reading. What a tragedy, especially in a world saturated with information coming at us from every direction.

It's maddening.

Time after time, I have had students in my speed reading classes from middle and high school who have been classified as poor readers and bad students. What a crime that these brilliant people - as most people are whatever their grades have been - have been classified as some how "less than" others because their minds reject the way they were being taught.

This is NOT the fault of teachers. Teachers are wonderful beings doing a miraculous job with our children. They can relate to children in a way that few can. But teachers don't always get to teach what they want or the way they would like. They are forced into state and federal standards (often created by committees well versed in old, outdated modes of teaching) that tie their hands. Just a few days ago, I attended a "Curriculum Night" at my son's middle school and saw presentations by his 6th grade teachers. Every one of them were constrained by a giant notebook of standards that put the brakes on their creativity, especially in language and science classes.

The good news is that if a student finds his way to my class (or is driven there with a parent who also takes the class), in just a few hours I can turn all this around and begin the process of restoring confidence, self-esteem, and the love of learning that so many mass education schools dampen. The human mind, spirit and heart are flexible and can change or be repaired.

We are there to help.

Fantastic Speed Reading Class!

Just finished up a fantastic speed reading class on Saturday! Incredible people who chose to spend a day in a place they have never been to before with a guy they have never met - while the Sun was out in Seattle - to learn something new that could change their lives! My kind of people! Great thinking went on in that room and the day flew by. People left energized and hopeful that they could transform their lives in any way they choose. They now have a process to learn where they can learn anything about anything, any time, any place.

What if they don't believe you?

Hello New or Soon-to-be Speed Reader,

As you tell people about your interest in speed reading, I'll bet that some of your family and friends have rolled their eyes when you tell them what you are learning or exploring. In one of our "Audio Tips" called "Coping with speed reading disbelievers," I address what to do when you get that look from a disbelieving family member or friend. When you are making a profound life change - like bringing speed reading into your life - you must surround yourself with supportive people who see the greatness in you.

Check out SPEED READING PRACTICE WITH DR. JACKIE AUDIO TIP #7: "Coping with speed reading disbelievers" to get some ideas about what to do.

Call or write anytime if you want to talk about what you are experiencing.

Have fun!

Jackie

Hello Speed Readers and Future Speed Readers,

If you know anyone who is an active, inactive, or retired member of any branch of the U.S. armed services (or Veterans Administration), please let them know that they now can get a deep discount on our speed reading programs at any time.

For only $55, they can take our critically acclaimed One Day Speed Reading Workshop (normally $249)! Just sign up at www.readfast.org and select "Armed Services" during the online registration process.

Please help spread the word (this does not apply to group, corporate, or executive programs) to these very deserving men and women.

 Jackie