This organization is a cult and I highly recommend staying away from them, not speaking with them and certainly not signing up your child for their programs. I worked for them! They are a complete... More >
This organization is a cult and I highly recommend staying away from them, not speaking with them and certainly not signing up your child for their programs. I worked for them! They are a complete brain washing system of control and submission. All they want is money and they target the financially challenged to get them to pay anything they can through manipulation. These people are evil in every way. From the way they treat employees to the way they manipulate people into giving them money for fear and guilt of illiteracy and stigma with their children. Dispicable and evil people. Hang up!
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My impression is still forming. My husband has also worked for IRD. He hated everything about it, though ironically, he was the favorite of his trainers and supervisor(s) because he is a talented... More >
My impression is still forming. My husband has also worked for IRD. He hated everything about it, though ironically, he was the favorite of his trainers and supervisor(s) because he is a talented teacher and he practically radiates positivity. This review of IRD is based on our combined experiences and is as objective as I/we could possibly make it.
For parents: The teaching methods that IRD uses are fine (not ground-breaking, but not bad either), and they work for most (but not all) children, provided that both teacher and parent(s) are also doing their part. (The teachers may not be state-certified, but they are well-trained for what they are doing. That said, there are always a few duds, so if you don't like your child's teacher, call and ask for a new one.) The curriculum, however, leaves a lot to be desired. Be prepared for your child to read a lot of very dated books about white boys in rural and/or small town environments. That said, once you know your child's reading level (which you probably already do, since your child is likely enrolled in school already), ANY teacher or children's librarian should be able to help you find books at your child's reading level that are more relevant, current, and interesting to him/her personally, and it's much cheaper to just go to the library than it is to order an $89 or $99 book kit when the course is over.
For prospective employees: You can learn a lot from this job and enjoy it, but it's not for everyone. If you happen to already be a teacher and/or children's lit scholar, for example, be prepared to bite your tongue, a lot. This company does not want your feedback on any aspect of their program (expert or otherwise), which is too bad, because they attract a lot of extremely bright and passionate people from whom they would do well to solicit constructive criticism. What IRD does want is for y
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This place is a scam. Very unprofessional staff that don't care about kids or parents in the least. Much better programs out there to help with reading for a lot less money. Stay away!! More >
This place is a scam. Very unprofessional staff that don't care about kids or parents in the least. Much better programs out there to help with reading for a lot less money. Stay away!!
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I spent one season selling these programs and I can say with complete authority that they are garbage. Parents who call tend to be desperate so it's not difficult to talk them into buying. Another... More >
I spent one season selling these programs and I can say with complete authority that they are garbage. Parents who call tend to be desperate so it's not difficult to talk them into buying. Another reviewer called us used car salesman and that is EXACTLY what we were.
The very nature of scams is that they prey on the ignorant and/or helpless. Any parent calling in is already in one of or both of those camps. Some parents would talk and admit their shortcomings, some would get defensive and lie but in the end, you're still on the phone because you don't have a clue what to do and places like IRD are there to grab you by the ankles, turn you upside down and shake the money out of you.
IRD is on its own. It is not affiliated with any of the schools or universities where it holds the classes and only when pressed would we ever admit that. Even then, you would still close the deal more often than not because once again...desperate, clueless parent.
Avoid this place at all costs.
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I received letter in mail about this coarse.When I called to get additional information, the person I spoke to sounded like a used car salesman and was reading from a script. I could hear... More >
I received letter in mail about this coarse.When I called to get additional information, the person I spoke to sounded like a used car salesman and was reading from a script. I could hear telemarketers in the background.He also seemed anxious and almost "pushy" to get my credit card and sign my daughter up for class. I didn't fall for it, too fishey for me.
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Unless your child is a motivated learner, I would recommend spending the money. The class is pretty much a review of learning strategies kids have already been taught. Maybe a review would help... More >
Unless your child is a motivated learner, I would recommend spending the money. The class is pretty much a review of learning strategies kids have already been taught. Maybe a review would help yours, but if he didn't apply it the first time, chances are he won't the second.
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I was a teacher for IRD two summers ago. I was not a licensed teacher at the time. They do train their teachers for about two months--putting them in fear of being fired at any moment. Teachers... More >
I was a teacher for IRD two summers ago. I was not a licensed teacher at the time. They do train their teachers for about two months--putting them in fear of being fired at any moment. Teachers are constantly on edge, because they fear if they do not follow *SCRIPTED* lesson plans, they will not be able to pay their bills. As a person who has gotten her ed degree and has spent time in a real teaching environment, I can tell you this program is a complete scandal. I was driving to four cities around the south, my car loaded with materials for ages 4-adult. I was not specialized on any grade or age level, and neither were any of the other teachers. Do NOT spend your money on this pre-formulated scam. Instead, hire a local tutor or college student who can really recognize the needs of your child.
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Good: I liked how organized it was and how it not only reinforced what they learned in class but at home as well. They taught how to learn to the reading skills and also to love reading. Engaging a... More >
Good: I liked how organized it was and how it not only reinforced what they learned in class but at home as well. They taught how to learn to the reading skills and also to love reading. Engaging a child is what is important for the long term.. Bad: At first my expectations were to be immediate but that didn't happen. What did was it showed up stronger with a bit more time. Learning the skills are one thing, practicing and using them solidified them.. Improvements: A stronger sense in the beginning from the teacher the importance of parental assistance and reinforcement of using the skills learned in class. Also, to realistically realize that all isn't going to happen overnight.. Other: I took the adult class and I WAS VERY IMPRESSED. I was a super slow reader and my comprehension was deplorable. After taking the class and using the skills, I not only read faster but I understood everything the first time I read it. FINALLY! I put the skills to use seriously and it changed my reading experiences in a HUGE way. When people buy diet pills the directions ALWAYS say,"individual results vary," as well as exercise. If you don't exercise you're not going to get the same results you could get..
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Well worth the time and tuition. Maybe it's locational but my daughters enjoyed the classes and I appreciated the teacher for her patience and enthusiasm. See you next summer! More >
Well worth the time and tuition. Maybe it's locational but my daughters enjoyed the classes and I appreciated the teacher for her patience and enthusiasm. See you next summer!
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My son's teacher had suggested a tutor. He is going into the second grade and was reading at a second grade level, but the school he attends is very competitive. Instead of getting a tutor, like I... More >
My son's teacher had suggested a tutor. He is going into the second grade and was reading at a second grade level, but the school he attends is very competitive. Instead of getting a tutor, like I now wish I had, I had him complete a course at the Institute of Reading Development. I think the organization should be commended for their ability to market to parents a program which is worth nothing. I wondered if the teacher even held a certificate of teaching. I thought the setting would be more intimate; there were 21 kids. I would highly suggest not taking the class, my son could have gained so much more from simply reading to me. Unless you have $300 to simply blow I would not waste my money or time.
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