Kim Olsen - Parent - Canada
We were introduced to the Tattum Reading program through our son’s schoolteacher. Upon researching the program, it almost seemed too good to be true that a child could increase his/her reading level by multiple grade levels in just 20 hours. However, we decided to “take the plunge” and spend the time and money to enroll our son. We decided to work with the founder, Steve Tattum, in Colorado even though it was a 32 hour drive. It was absolutely the BEST decision we have ever made! Ben started the program reading at a grade 1.2 level at 55 words per minute. After just 20 hours of intensive training Ben mastered a grade 5.0 level at 50-60 words per minute, cold read. (A repeated reading was usually around 100 words per minute.) It was ASTOUNDING!!
We continued to follow the program set out for us by Steve Tattum and Ben is now challenge reading at a 7.5 level, just 4 weeks later. This technique WORKS!!! We highly recommend it for anyone who has a child that is a struggling reader!!
We continued to follow the program set out for us by Steve Tattum and Ben is now challenge reading at a 7.5 level, just 4 weeks later. This technique WORKS!!! We highly recommend it for anyone who has a child that is a struggling reader!!
Anna Marie Pederson - Parent / Educator - Michigan
Today, after school I told my 15-year-old daughter that I was going to write a letter about Steve Tattum. Her sincere and immediate response was, “I will always be thankful to him.” Finding words to express our gratitude for his impact in our lives is difficult.
I attended one of the first workshops offered in Michigan and was astonished at Mikaela’s renewed confidence and progress after one brief session with Steve on the first workshop day. Her attitude changed from utter dread to excitement about reading and writing. Steve does more than teach people to read, he provides hope—for student, parent and teacher. He is able to work with a faltering child, reassure a desperate parent and interact with a doubting teacher, and while preserving their dignity, provide hope and motivation to move forward. Steve not only equips, he inspires. He is professional in every sense of the word.
Soon after attending the workshop I began using the Tattum Reading program with my daughter. The results were immediate. Today Mikaela not only reads at her grade level, something my husband and I doubted was possible, but loves to read and often stays up past bedtime so she can finish a book or magazine. Steve did more than provide the tools for Mikaela to learn to read, he inspired her to become an enthusiastic reader.
I attended one of the first workshops offered in Michigan and was astonished at Mikaela’s renewed confidence and progress after one brief session with Steve on the first workshop day. Her attitude changed from utter dread to excitement about reading and writing. Steve does more than teach people to read, he provides hope—for student, parent and teacher. He is able to work with a faltering child, reassure a desperate parent and interact with a doubting teacher, and while preserving their dignity, provide hope and motivation to move forward. Steve not only equips, he inspires. He is professional in every sense of the word.
Soon after attending the workshop I began using the Tattum Reading program with my daughter. The results were immediate. Today Mikaela not only reads at her grade level, something my husband and I doubted was possible, but loves to read and often stays up past bedtime so she can finish a book or magazine. Steve did more than provide the tools for Mikaela to learn to read, he inspired her to become an enthusiastic reader.
Laurie Gietzen - Parent - Rochester, Michigan
I was referred to Steve by a friend because my son, Jack, was struggling to learn to read and had left 1st grade barely knowing his letter sounds. My son also suffered from a great deal of anxiety and found it difficult to speak when he was anxious. Steve met with my son and carefully assessed him. He chose to have his son, Jon, tutor Jack using the Tattum Reading program. Steve would guide Jon when needed. With Jon's wonderful demeanor and great tutoring style and Steve's in depth knowledge of how children learn, Jack made incredible progress. He was reading! We could see our son transform from a quiet, withdrawn boy, to a much more confident and happier child.
We feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Steve, and now both of his talented sons, Jon and George, for the past three summers. Jack has made tremendous gains with his reading, writing and spelling ability thanks to Steve and his family.
We feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Steve, and now both of his talented sons, Jon and George, for the past three summers. Jack has made tremendous gains with his reading, writing and spelling ability thanks to Steve and his family.
Tamara L. Pawloski - M.A. CCC-SLP - Michigan
I can tell you that my nephew was stuck in a program that didn’t work for 5 years and even myself, a certified teacher and experienced speech-language pathologist couldn’t think through how to save him. In an hour of working with Steve in the Tattum Reading training workshop, my nephew had gained skills that programs in my nephew’s district hadn’t succeeded in teaching across years! Steve understands what it takes to teach children to read because he works with children, with teachers and teaches concepts quickly and efficiently in ways that work!
My nephew had grown numb to how he felt and on the last trip home from Tattum Reading that December after spending four days working with Steve, he wept. His exact words were this, "For so long I knew I was never going to college...now I'm going!" Steve has an awesome way of inspiring children that they are smart, that they can read and I think so many of us shy away from committing to those words because before Tattum Reading we hadn’t seen real results with kids. Steve did something for my nephew that completely changed his self perception.
My nephew progressed from reading at a 1.9 grade reading level in that December of 2009 to returning to school in the Fall of 2010 enrolled in all regular education classes. He reads near grade level as an 11th grader this year.
My nephew had grown numb to how he felt and on the last trip home from Tattum Reading that December after spending four days working with Steve, he wept. His exact words were this, "For so long I knew I was never going to college...now I'm going!" Steve has an awesome way of inspiring children that they are smart, that they can read and I think so many of us shy away from committing to those words because before Tattum Reading we hadn’t seen real results with kids. Steve did something for my nephew that completely changed his self perception.
My nephew progressed from reading at a 1.9 grade reading level in that December of 2009 to returning to school in the Fall of 2010 enrolled in all regular education classes. He reads near grade level as an 11th grader this year.
Susan Major - Reading/Dyslexia Specialist - Michigan
I have been a practicing Reading/Dyslexia Specialist and Tutor in private practice for over twenty-five years. Steve Tattum and the Tattum Reading Program have totally transformed my practice.
My first exposure to the Tattum Reading Program was at a meeting where a colleague demonstrated the use of the Tattum magnet board. Moveable magnet pieces, on the board, visually represent all of the phonetic sounds and syllables of the English language, all of the sounds that make up the code for reading, in an organized, simplified approach to phonics. As students apply these concepts by manipulating the magnets on the board, there is an immediate transfer to both the spelling and the reading process. Tattum has taken the best of all of the phonics programs and transformed them into a multi-sensory, hands-on experience for students. I realized that I was watching a revolutionary, transformational protocol that I needed to learn for the benefit of my students. I immediately enrolled for the Tattum Reading Foundations Course.
On the second day of the Foundations Workshop, I observed Steve Tattum working with a high school student who was struggling with reading. Steve was able to quickly assess the student's strengths and weaknesses and proceeded to teach the concept of phrasing to the student. Responding to the Pressure Release Technique, the student's reading dramatically improved within 30 minutes. He left the session with a newfound confidence and the motivation to continue with the program. The comprehension and fluency techniques that Steve teaches within the reading portion of each session are transformative for students. As a professional, I hesitate to use the word miraculous but it is an appropriate description of the Tattum Reading program.
After taking the Tattum Course with Steve I went home and replaced all of the techniques that I had been using for the past 28 years and totally immersed myself in mastering this program. Tattum Reading incorporates all of the strengths of: Orton Gillingham, Project Read, Lindamood Bell, Whole Language, The Language Experience Approach and more. All of the techniques, experience and research that Steve Tattum has accumulated throughout his career have been synthesized into this Reading Program.
My first exposure to the Tattum Reading Program was at a meeting where a colleague demonstrated the use of the Tattum magnet board. Moveable magnet pieces, on the board, visually represent all of the phonetic sounds and syllables of the English language, all of the sounds that make up the code for reading, in an organized, simplified approach to phonics. As students apply these concepts by manipulating the magnets on the board, there is an immediate transfer to both the spelling and the reading process. Tattum has taken the best of all of the phonics programs and transformed them into a multi-sensory, hands-on experience for students. I realized that I was watching a revolutionary, transformational protocol that I needed to learn for the benefit of my students. I immediately enrolled for the Tattum Reading Foundations Course.
On the second day of the Foundations Workshop, I observed Steve Tattum working with a high school student who was struggling with reading. Steve was able to quickly assess the student's strengths and weaknesses and proceeded to teach the concept of phrasing to the student. Responding to the Pressure Release Technique, the student's reading dramatically improved within 30 minutes. He left the session with a newfound confidence and the motivation to continue with the program. The comprehension and fluency techniques that Steve teaches within the reading portion of each session are transformative for students. As a professional, I hesitate to use the word miraculous but it is an appropriate description of the Tattum Reading program.
After taking the Tattum Course with Steve I went home and replaced all of the techniques that I had been using for the past 28 years and totally immersed myself in mastering this program. Tattum Reading incorporates all of the strengths of: Orton Gillingham, Project Read, Lindamood Bell, Whole Language, The Language Experience Approach and more. All of the techniques, experience and research that Steve Tattum has accumulated throughout his career have been synthesized into this Reading Program.
Wendy DeMartini - Teacher/Tutor - Florida
I consider myself to be an effective, learned educator who is always looking for new ways to help my students learn. I have worked on my doctorate at Fordham University in whole language, I studied at the Gesell Institute at Yale University, I was trained in Orton-Gillingham and in Lindamood Bell, I worked with the Teachers' Writing Project at Columbia University along side Lucy Calkins, and I studied with Howard Gardner at Harvard. I have done my homework.
Steve’s workshop was just about the most important five days I have ever spent. Steve presented F.A.S.T. (aka Tattum Reading) in a manner that encouraged understanding! He provided review material so that we could practice what we had learned. Steve had high expectations for each of us, and helped us as we worked with his program. I have now been through about six of his workshops (lucky me!) and each one teaches me new things. Steve is so current with research and continually makes tweaks to the program using his new knowledge (some programs have not changed ever!).
I have worked with many, many students using F.A.S.T. and have had remarkable results. Because of what I learned working with Steve, I have been empowered to change student's lives.
Steve’s workshop was just about the most important five days I have ever spent. Steve presented F.A.S.T. (aka Tattum Reading) in a manner that encouraged understanding! He provided review material so that we could practice what we had learned. Steve had high expectations for each of us, and helped us as we worked with his program. I have now been through about six of his workshops (lucky me!) and each one teaches me new things. Steve is so current with research and continually makes tweaks to the program using his new knowledge (some programs have not changed ever!).
I have worked with many, many students using F.A.S.T. and have had remarkable results. Because of what I learned working with Steve, I have been empowered to change student's lives.
Mary Steiger - Resource Room Teacher - Frazer, Michigan
Mr. Tattum’s F.A.S.T. Reading system (aka Tattum Reading) is not just a 'reading program', it's a way of life.
I have been a special education teacher for nine years and it’s the first experience that I have had where the program works because of its founder’s passion and whole hearted embrace of every child who previously has been deemed a ‘non-reader for life’, given absolutely zero hope that it could be different for them. I witnessed time and again as Steve could correct lifelong errors in children’s reading skills within minutes and thus change that student into a believer of their own reading potential.
Steve Tattum’s character and commitment to educational reform in the area of teaching reading is a tall order, but he is the soul that motivates the hearts and minds of those who embrace his vision as their own to carry on to the world around us. He is bar none, one of the most passionate, devoted, intuitive, and altruistic that I have had the honor to work with in my life thus far.
Since its inception into my curriculum, my students are no longer at the “bottom of the heap” when it comes to standardized test results, progress monitoring and benchmark assessments. Surprisingly, the phrase that is heard most from my students is “Come on Ms. Steiger, can we read a little bit longer? Let me do just one more timed reading. I am almost at my goal, please?” it’s no longer, “I hate reading! I’m stupid! It’s boring!” An attitude shift of this magnitude is nothing short of miraculous in my opinion with our youth being exposed to a plethora of technology at every turn that has made reading into a passé’ exercise at best.
I have been a special education teacher for nine years and it’s the first experience that I have had where the program works because of its founder’s passion and whole hearted embrace of every child who previously has been deemed a ‘non-reader for life’, given absolutely zero hope that it could be different for them. I witnessed time and again as Steve could correct lifelong errors in children’s reading skills within minutes and thus change that student into a believer of their own reading potential.
Steve Tattum’s character and commitment to educational reform in the area of teaching reading is a tall order, but he is the soul that motivates the hearts and minds of those who embrace his vision as their own to carry on to the world around us. He is bar none, one of the most passionate, devoted, intuitive, and altruistic that I have had the honor to work with in my life thus far.
Since its inception into my curriculum, my students are no longer at the “bottom of the heap” when it comes to standardized test results, progress monitoring and benchmark assessments. Surprisingly, the phrase that is heard most from my students is “Come on Ms. Steiger, can we read a little bit longer? Let me do just one more timed reading. I am almost at my goal, please?” it’s no longer, “I hate reading! I’m stupid! It’s boring!” An attitude shift of this magnitude is nothing short of miraculous in my opinion with our youth being exposed to a plethora of technology at every turn that has made reading into a passé’ exercise at best.
Colleen Manni - Special Education Teacher - Brighton, Michigan
Steve immediately got my attention by his exceptional knowledge of the reading process and his extensive research. Steve has a unique gift of knowing the work of multiple researchers in the field of reading and using that knowledge to directly link it to the Tattum Reading program. I have been a special education teacher for 22 years, and was losing my passion and direction before I met Steve. I have participated in numerous professional development classes and have furthered my education in teaching, but have never been so inspired than the day Steve gave his demonstration of the F.A.S.T. reading program.
I have watched reading programs and theories come and go throughout my teaching career and all of them were unfortunately missing components to improve reading. What I have learned is that you must have a dynamic leader to communicate and prove the effectiveness of any program. Steve is fearless when he speaks to his audience. He has struggling students that teachers bring to him to prove the effectiveness the week you are trained. It is amazing how he teaches you the concepts, has you practice it, and then demonstrates it immediately on students for teachers to view first hand.
Also, you must have a person that will be committed to keep the effectiveness and validity of the program alive. Without Steve as my mentor, I would not be using or promoting the F.A.S.T. reading program today. His dedication and commitment to helping all children and adults to read amazes and inspires me. He is available to speak by phone or email to answer any questions I may have or simply give me some words of wisdom. Unfortunately, you cannot find the personal attention that he gives you with other programs. He not only does an excellent job promoting F.A.S.T., he has the “nuts and bolts” to deliver this program to any audience.
I have watched reading programs and theories come and go throughout my teaching career and all of them were unfortunately missing components to improve reading. What I have learned is that you must have a dynamic leader to communicate and prove the effectiveness of any program. Steve is fearless when he speaks to his audience. He has struggling students that teachers bring to him to prove the effectiveness the week you are trained. It is amazing how he teaches you the concepts, has you practice it, and then demonstrates it immediately on students for teachers to view first hand.
Also, you must have a person that will be committed to keep the effectiveness and validity of the program alive. Without Steve as my mentor, I would not be using or promoting the F.A.S.T. reading program today. His dedication and commitment to helping all children and adults to read amazes and inspires me. He is available to speak by phone or email to answer any questions I may have or simply give me some words of wisdom. Unfortunately, you cannot find the personal attention that he gives you with other programs. He not only does an excellent job promoting F.A.S.T., he has the “nuts and bolts” to deliver this program to any audience.
Becky Beckeman - Parent - Rochester, Michigan
It was my first day of training and before lunch I was almost in tears, I didn't get this program and it was personal, this was for my son, with my husband footing the bill. Steve saw my teary eyes and said "don't worry you will get this by Thursday, I promise, I'll even stay with you during lunch as often as you want to help you". I felt some relief but was in disbelief. Well by Wednesday, he over heard me practicing a lesson with my teacher partner and I was correcting her and even right. He stopped and looked at me and said "it's only Wednesday, you got it" (that was also spending two of his lunch breaks with me making sure I understood the program.
He also invited my son to the training as a training tool and to personally evaluate him. Meeting our son for only 30 min, Steve knew what kind of child our son was and what would drive him to do well with the Tattum Reading program. With the knowledge and all the years of experience Steve has, he has been one of the few people to understand our parental frustration and how to handle not only our reading issues but other ones too and made us see how closely related they are. Steve has been a sigh of relief for us, and during my own attempt of tutoring my son and not knowing how to overcome some obstacles,.
Steve is ALWAYS a phone call away. Truly he calls you back, his email response is fast and I never have felt as if I am bugging him, he is just ALWAYS there to help. I don't know what we would have done if we didn't meet this genius, miracle worker and just an amazing man.
He also invited my son to the training as a training tool and to personally evaluate him. Meeting our son for only 30 min, Steve knew what kind of child our son was and what would drive him to do well with the Tattum Reading program. With the knowledge and all the years of experience Steve has, he has been one of the few people to understand our parental frustration and how to handle not only our reading issues but other ones too and made us see how closely related they are. Steve has been a sigh of relief for us, and during my own attempt of tutoring my son and not knowing how to overcome some obstacles,.
Steve is ALWAYS a phone call away. Truly he calls you back, his email response is fast and I never have felt as if I am bugging him, he is just ALWAYS there to help. I don't know what we would have done if we didn't meet this genius, miracle worker and just an amazing man.
Cynthia Annchild - Learning Specialist - Ann Arbor, Michigan
Steve conveys his commitment to the entire process of FAST with masterful teaching. He will accept ANY challenge; for example, teaching a smart group of middle school students in front of half a dozen skeptical teachers. I was amazed that, by the end of that risky teaching challenge, both the teenagers and the skeptical teachers were on board and crowding around with enthusiastic questions. He is fearless in that way because he wholeheartedly believes it the efficacy of the program. In all FAST demonstrations that I have seen, Steve connects immediately with the student, regardless of age, disability, or level of sophistication. Furthermore, it is touching to see not only brilliant teaching, but also real humanity conveyed toward the family and child. The intensity in those situations is palpable, transforming the people in the room into FAST believers. These are beautiful and powerful moments that Steve creates.
Finally, I would like to add that Steve is generous and supportive to the teachers he trains. We experience the fact that Steve wants us to succeed and will help us with the same level of commitment with which he created the FAST program. He willingly answers all questions (whether challenging him or not), communicates with everyone who reaches out to him, and engages in problem-solving discussions about students who puzzle his newly-trained teachers. Steve Tattum puts a human face on an excellent language development program. He inspires and gives the program his tireless energy.
I feel fortunate that I have been trained and mentored by Steve in the FAST program. He backs up FAST teachers in an essential yet intangible way. This support is difficult to describe because it goes beyond materials and lesson plans. Steve makes us feel we can all succeed at FAST language instruction. I especially appreciate this unseeable quality because I thrive on that energetic boost. Because of who Steve is and his genius in creating FAST, we practitioners feel buoyed up and can visualize success. With Steve, "If you need it, you've got it!"
Finally, I would like to add that Steve is generous and supportive to the teachers he trains. We experience the fact that Steve wants us to succeed and will help us with the same level of commitment with which he created the FAST program. He willingly answers all questions (whether challenging him or not), communicates with everyone who reaches out to him, and engages in problem-solving discussions about students who puzzle his newly-trained teachers. Steve Tattum puts a human face on an excellent language development program. He inspires and gives the program his tireless energy.
I feel fortunate that I have been trained and mentored by Steve in the FAST program. He backs up FAST teachers in an essential yet intangible way. This support is difficult to describe because it goes beyond materials and lesson plans. Steve makes us feel we can all succeed at FAST language instruction. I especially appreciate this unseeable quality because I thrive on that energetic boost. Because of who Steve is and his genius in creating FAST, we practitioners feel buoyed up and can visualize success. With Steve, "If you need it, you've got it!"
Nancy Laitner - Learning Specialist - Ann Arbor, Michigan
I find that Mr. Tattum is extremely passionate about teaching children, especially ones with learning differences. I have observed Mr. Tattum teach students in demonstration lessons at his workshops and on his instructional CDs. Mr. Tattum endeavors to make students comfortable and confident at the beginning of the lessons, so they are ready to learn. Throughout the lessons he praises children and stretches them to reach their potential. Mr. Tattum’s lessons are fast-paced, lively, and instructive.