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Quality therapy materials compatible with Alphabetic Phonics, Neuhaus Basic Language, and other Orton-Gillingham Programs.
Authorized dealer for CursiveLogic. These workbooks seamlessly combine visual, auditory, verbal, and kinesthetic modalities. Fully aligned with dyslexia therapy methods. This book meets all your student's handwriting needs! Great for Occupational Therapy as well
Sales Representative for Whole Phonics™ : a structured literacy program for beginning readers created by learning specialist and author Jill Lauren, MA. Illuminations is delighted to offer these products to support fluency acquisition. Young readers join the delightful adventures of multicultural characters and their animal friends to learn critical phonics skills while experiencing the joy of reading.
In line with our commitment to equip educators and students with the skills to master the various components of literacy, we provide you with these resources. In a sea of information from books to websites, it’s easy to get lost. You can trust that they will help you in your professional development.
A great read about dyslexia and how Missisissippi is working to tackle dyslexia. Ms Leta Palmiter at Illuminations is passionate about helping kids with dyslexia. She is a woman on a mission! You will want to read about her journey as an educator and the improvements within our state in regards to dyslexia. Great read! - Linda Jenkin
Check back often as we curate resources to assist both parents and students of any age as they learn to read.
February 2025: NAEP scores show that Mississippi 4th graders are 9th in the nation for literacy!
"Mississippi Rising" is an illuminating and inspiring book that chronicles the remarkable journey of Mississippi in revolutionizing its literacy education system. Leta has been intimately involved in this transformative process, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of the challenges faced by the state and the innovative solutions that have propelled it forward.
Leta delves into the systemic issues of poverty, chronic underfunding, and institutionalized racism that have historically hindered Mississippi's education system. With great insight, she demonstrates how these obstacles have been confronted head-on, leading to a groundbreaking shift in literacy instruction.
One of the book's key strengths lies in its emphasis on evidence-based practices grounded in the Science of Reading. It highlights the vital role of teacher preparation programs and ongoing professional development in equipping educators with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively teach reading. The authors provide a wealth of research, best practices, and success stories to support their arguments, making the book a valuable resource for educators and policymakers.
What sets "Mississippi Rising" apart is its focus on real-world implementation and the collective efforts that have driven change. The authors highlight the crucial role of organizations like the Barksdale Reading Institute and the impact of legislative measures such as the Literacy-Based Promotion Act. They also address external factors, such as textbook publishers and funding mechanisms, that influence educational policies and practices.
While celebrating the progress made, the book maintains a realistic perspective, acknowledging the need for continued growth. It explores the challenges of poverty, equity, and teacher shortages that still persist and proposes innovative solutions, including the Memphis Teacher Residency Program, as potential models for success.
All proceeds benefit the Illuminations' Sliding Scale Therapy Fund. Help everyone access literacy.
"I learned quite a bit about the forces behind the "Mississippi Miracle." I'm so glad you wrote it. As you say, it is a story that needs to be told. I hope it is widely read and appreciated. Great job." ~ Dr. Louisa Cook Moats
“Thank you so much for putting into words the journey the state of Mississippi has been on. You brilliantly share the story of so many key individuals and also your own. I greatly appreciate your honesty, authenticity, and vulnerability,” another reader wrote.
“This is an inspiring story of people who were willing to change if it meant better outcomes for children, even relearning everything they thought they knew about how reading should be taught. It’s about overcoming resistance to that change, and showing what we as a state can achieve when we put our minds to it and work together,” said Lloyd Gray, Executive Director of Phil Hardin Foundation
“Thank you so much for writing Mississippi Rising. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading and learning about dyslexia. Your journey in the educator’s world has been interesting. It is truly amazing what a woman on a mission can accomplish. You and Dr. Holifield are so passionate about dyslexia and it shows!” another reviewer wrote.
Bravo, Leta, on your well-told story of Mississippi literacy. Lloyd wrote an eloquent introduction. Thanks for your substantial coverage of BRI's work. I learned a lot about the early dyslexia pieces that I did not know. Hope it is widely read.
Kelly Butler, Barksdale Reading Institute
It’s a quick read about how we got to where we are and a state that has made SIGNIFICANT progress!!
I know when you are in the trenches, the days are long. Come read about how all those days turned into real progress. It’s inspiring.
Jane Hayes, R.E.A.D. Redefined
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Illuminations Center for Dyslexia
1020 22nd Ave., Suite C, Meridian, MS 39301
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Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Castle Grove Plantation. An evening of extraordinary entertainment, dancing, food, a silent auction, casino fun, and more.