May 17, 2004

Dear Mr. Angel:

I am writing to tell you about the wonderful outcomes for my 5th-grade students at Topanga Elementary School who participated in your Reading in Rhythm fluency building workshops last month.

All of my students improved in their reading fluency, and the changes were quite remarkable. On average, the class improved by 29 words per minute. This came to an average increase of 23% for the class. It is also amazing to note how quickly these changes took place. Clearly your program has a great deal to offer children in overcoming the blocks which impede their positive relationship to reading.

I hope we have a chance to work together again soon. I know my principal is eager to have a staff development workshop along the lines of what you did at Moffett Elementary.

Thank you again for your incredible spirit, your creativity and your commitment to children.


Sincerely,

Paul Astin
5th Grade Teacher
Topanga Elementary School
LAUSD