School has not been easy for Carlos. He found himself in the vicious cycle of complicated tasks that lowered his self esteem and motivation. Soon, he felt so frustrated that he would even pretend to be unable to do tasks that he could actually perform. Because of his struggles and language delay, he was placed in a full time special education program, but he did not achieve the level his parents knew he could reach.
According to the Department of Education “Even in wealthier schools, more than a fifth of fourth-graders were unable to reach NAEP’s basic [reading]level in 2000 and about two-thirds of fourth-graders in high-poverty schools were unable to reach the basic level in that year’s survey.”
At the beginning of fourth grade, Carlos enrolled in the Hardy Brain Training Academy. Here, Sherrie Hardy and her staff worked with Carlos and his parents to identify the root of Carlos’ issues and address them. Carlos successfully completed fourth grade at the Academy and was ready to return to Rio Lindo School at the start of the school year last fall.
Fifth grade was a big year for Carlos. He attended Rio Lindo during the day and continued the Hardy Brain Training program after school. The progress he achieved allowed him to move out of the special education day class and return to the regular education class for every subject but reading – only the fourth student in the history of the school to accomplish this. With a healthy self-esteem and high motivation, Carlos excelled. On June 3rd, Carlos was one of 34 students honored by the Rio School District and awarded “Most Inspirational Student” Awards at a ceremony at the Tower Club in Oxnard. Carlos’ efforts and accomplishments earned him the title of valedictorian of his class. Way to Go Carlos!!!
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