The learner completes the following 8 steps in the HELP assessment process:

Step 1: Ask the learner to read a passage aloud into a tape recorder (learner selects a passage of interest that he/she has not seen before).

Step 2: Have the learner listen to his/her oral reading passage with earphones (so he/she doesn't feel imitated if he/she is uncomfortable with his/her oral reading).

Step 3: Ask the learner to listen again, but this time to take notes about the passage.

Step 4: Have the learner highlight the main points from his/her notes.

Step 5: Ask the learner to develop the notes by using an organizing structure (pull together information that belongs under each main point).

Step 6: Ask the learner to write a short summary based on the information he/she has gathered.

Step 7: Have the learner review and revise the short summary.

Step 8: Through an oral discussion with the learner, have him/her reflect on the summary he/she wrote and discuss conclusions.

The skills and strategies needed to do each of the steps are highlighted under the categories of thinking, oral communication, reading and written language. The HELP assessment model cannot formally diagnose a learning disability, but it can help discover areas of difficulty for the learner so that appropriate strategies can be targeted. This model can be simplified to reflect the reading level of the learner.

To access a copy of Compensations for Learning Disabilities by Sandra C. Crux go to http://www.wallbooks.com/source/crux.htm. It can be purchased for $16.95. Orders can be placed by fax or mail. No longer available on website