Balsall Common School Study
An Independent Study
Research Conducted by University Professors (2002-2003)
In 2002, an independent, controlled study* was conducted by Professors David Reynolds and Helen Hambly of the University of Exeter School of Education and Professor Rod Nicolson of the Department of Psychology at the University of Sheffield. Children who were identified as at-risk for learning difficulties were randomly split into two groups. One group received the DORE treatment (the intervention group) and the other group received no treatment (the control group). The intervention group performed the DORE exercise program two times a day for six months.
After completing the DORE program, the children showed the following results on national standardized tests (SATs):
- Progress in reading increased more than 3 times over the previous year
- Progress in comprehension was nearly 5 times that of the previous year
- Progress in writing was 17 times that of the previous year
Independent Study Follow-up
One year after completing the DORE program, the experimental group was completely caught up to their average reading age, and 100% of those exhibiting AD/HD symptoms (per the standard DSM IV medical criteria) prior to treatment showed no further symptoms. These results are mirrored by those of a 450 client sample reported on by Professor David Reynolds of Exeter University.
The subjective changes experienced by the children were equally astounding. These changes were measured by the children's own perception of their concentration, mood, relationships, confidence, sports, etc. The DORE program children are measured by green bars, the other "non-DORE" students are in red.
Links:
- Balsall Common Independent Research Study
- Further Data On The Effectiveness of the DORE Treatment (Paper presented to the British Dyslexia Association Conference, March 28th 2004)
- Dyslexia journal article synopsis*
- Bibliography of cerebellar-related research (includes research on dyslexia and the cerebellum, language, memory, attention focusing, emotional balance, and learning skills)
*To order a copy of the Dyslexia Journal article (The actual paper is approximately 50 pages in length) contact the publisher, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., 1 Oldlands Way, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO22 9SA, UK.