(EVENT IS NOW FULL) How the Brain Learns to Read: Implications for Reading Development, Instruction, and Dyslexia

THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL.

As part of its 75th anniversary celebration, the Atlanta Speech School is proud to present its 15th annual Montag Family Community Lecture Series, featuring internationally
recognized teacher, researcher and literacy expert Maryanne Wolf, Ed.D. Dr. Wolf will present to the School and the Atlanta community on March 14, 2013, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Atlanta Speech School. There is no charge to attend.

Dr. Wolf, renowned cognitive neuroscientist, has pioneered ground-breaking research into the neurological underpinnings of reading, language and dyslexia. She is the director of the Center for Reading and Language Research at Tufts University, the John DiBiaggio Professor of Citizenship and Public Service, and a professor of child development in the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Development.

Dr. Wolf’s talk, entitled “How the Brain Learns to Read: Implications for Reading Development, Instruction and Dyslexia,” will begin with the understanding that human beings were never actually born to become readers; rather, a child’s amazing brain has to be taught a whole new "circuit" in order to make that happen.  Examining the history of literacy and the development of the reading brain circuit provides new information on how best to teach early reading and how to reconceptualize dyslexia and its interventions.

Dr. Wolf’s work also gives a unique context for understanding the strengths and limitations of digital reading and how our digital culture might actually change the brains of the next generation.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Dr. Wolf’s stature join us for our Montag Lecture Series,” said Comer Yates, executive director of the Atlanta Speech School. “Our Wardlaw School has been helping children with dyslexia for 75 years. Dr. Wolf's emphasis on the need to address the complexities of language beyond the act of decoding in order for a dyslexic child to truly thrive beyond the early
elementary years mirrors the philosophy of our Wardlaw School.”

There is no charge to attend, but space is limited. Please register by March 11 by calling 404-233-5332, or visiting www.atlantaspeechschool.org/montag.

The Montag Family Community Lecture Series is made possible by a generous grant from the Montag family, who are faithful supporters of the Atlanta Speech School. Tony Montag is a past chairman of the School’s board of directors and continues to serve on the board.

The Atlanta Speech School is the nation’s most comprehensive language center for children and adults. Established in 1938, the Atlanta Speech School’s four schools, five clinics, summer program and professional development center seek to help each person develop his or her full potential through language and literacy. Each year, the School impacts the lives of approximately 1,400 children and adults at the Atlanta Speech School and more than 13,000 students throughout the State of Georgia through the work of its Rollins Center for Language & Learning professional development program.