In The Press

In a world full of cynicism, materialism and disregard for human dignity, in fact, it is rare to find a person or group of people who care enough about the development of children with learning difficulties (I do not like call disability because, to me, that sounds like something that can not be surmounted) to embrace the challenge to teach these children as her life’s work. Tetra Academy in Lakewood, Colorado is comprised of one such group of people. Directed by Ms. Carmen Senter, the staff of Tetra Academy are engaged in the firm belief that everyone deserves to be exposed to an atmosphere that gives them the best opportunity for learning. Tetra Academy is an outgrowth of Colorado Institute of Reading and Writing, which was founded in 1983 on the premise that all students can learn. Students attending Tetra Academy are learning through an integration of specialized strategies designed to increase basic skills within a coherent and cumulative curriculum. Tetra is clearly one of a kind of school based on a solid foundation of two decades of educational experience. This is the solution for students who experience learning difficulties arising from genetic or environmental conditions. Tetra Academy is an independent school for students whose learning styles or difficulties that are not addressed in a typical public school. Most of the time these students experience frustration and low self-esteem in regular classrooms. At Tetra these students get the opportunity to grow and flourish in a relaxed and comfortable learning environment. Too often, students with ADD or ADHD are misunderstood in the typical learning environment. Too often students with ADD or ADHD are classified as slow, cumbersome and/or distracted. In many of these situations, the truth is quite the opposite. The perception does not take into account that many people learn in different dimensions. If a person does not learn the standard method prescribed, it does not mean that person is incapable of learning. It could very well mean that this student is thinking and exploring concepts outside and beyond the normally accepted ways of learning. For example, while a teacher may complain that a student is spacing out during a presentation on the structure of government, this student may be generating possible solutions to eliminate wasteful government spending. At the beginning of a child’s education, they are expected to improve their knowledge through a “regurgitation” process. Focus on the lesson, take the offering of the material presented in a rigid format, and “regurgitate” the information to show they were paying attention. This learning style is not effective for a student living with ADD or ADHD. The people at Tetra Academy recognize the characteristics generally associated with ADD and ADHD, such as distraction, impulsivity, powerful imagination, and boundless energy. These features and others are also very characteristic of the creative minds. Tetra Academy strives for employing teaching methods that utilize the skills of their students in a positive way by the opening to a deeper understanding and exploring other ways of seeing the world. The results indicate that they are on track. If you or someone you know, are interested in learning more about opportunities available at Tetra Academy, contact Carmen Senter at 303-730-7691. Or join them on their website at www.tetraacademy.org. -Steve Reed