Nestled near the shores of Lake Michigan, Muskegon High School has landed an award for its programs to educate children with learning disabilities. School’s out for summer, but when students return this fall, they’ll have high-tech tools to help them learn.

The National Center for Learning Disabilities recognized Muskegon High School for having outstanding support for students with learning disabilities. The school received the 2004 Carrie and Pete Rozelle Award at the Learning Disabilities Association of America Conference in Atlanta.

"Muskegon High School truly exemplifies the spirit of the Carrie and Pete Rozelle Award," said Sheldon Horowitz, Director of Professional Services, at the National Center for Learning Disabilities. "For example, they have adopted a Comprehensive School Reform model in which supplemental courses are used in place of remedial classes for students struggling with math and reading, and they pay explicit attention to strategic learning.”

Horowitz pointed to other accomplishments. “In addition, the school has provided training to all English teachers on Student Team Literature, a program developed at John Hopkins University that addresses the needs of at-risk students. In an effort to help students with special needs become more active and successful learners, and to provide opportunities for intensive instruction for general education students, Muskegon High has also provided training to both special education and core content general education teachers on the Strategic Instruction Model, implementing the approach school-wide within both the special and general ed curricula."

NCLD offered the Muskegon High School a five thousand dollar cash award. Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc. creates reading technology for individuals with visual or learning disabilities. The company presented the school with a complimentary Kurzweil 3000 software award to help struggling students make use of reading, writing and learning software. It is also providing free technical support.

"Schools and programs that are committed to boosting the learning experience for traditionally underserved groups of students deserve to be recognized," said Michael Sokol, President and CEO of Kurzweil Educational Systems. "We applaud Muskegon educators for their impressive record of implementing programs within their high school that address the educational, social and emotional needs of all students, especially those with learning disabilities."

Visit www.LD.org for more information on the National Center for Learning Disabilities.

Visit www.ldanatl.org for more information on the Learning Disabilities Association of America.

Visit www.kurzweiledu.com for more information about Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc.