Welcome to the MTA/Alphabet Phonics class. In this class we concentrate our efforts acquiring a working knowledge of the alphabet as a sequencing tool. English is an alphabetic language based on 26 letters which represent its 44 different spoken sounds. These sounds combine to make up the 400,000 words in our language. Eighty-five percent of these words obey the rules of phonics. It is necessary for some students to participate in prolonged practice to acquire automatic recognition and reliable use of these rules.

The MTA program is a derivitive of the Alphabet Phonics program developed at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas, TX. It is a logically structured, multisensory presentation of phonics skills designed to help those students who are having difficulty in recognition or memory. They must learn all of the language skills through a logically structured, multisensory presentation if they are to realize lasting results and full academic potential.

The best way for a student to reinforce the skills taught in class is daily participation in the Accelerated Reading program. This is a wonderful program where each student is placed in his/her own reading zone that should produce successful results. Computer tests are taken to check for comprehension.

The Intermediate Campus plans an exciting field trip each year for those students achieving 100 AR points with at least 80% accuracy. This averages out to 3 points per week. Parents may assist in reaching this goal by reading with/to their child. Discuss the story to enhance comprehension. It is my hope/dream for each of my students to reach this goal.

The goal that was set for the first six weeks grading period was 15 points with at least 80% accuracy. A report will be sent home on report card day showing each student's points/accuracy level as of 9/22/06. Please sign and return the report for my records.