The Edmond J. Safra-Haifa Model: Empowerment and training for learning disabilities in the Israeli education system.

Doctoral students: Kama Galili, Shira Blicher

The Edmond J. Safra-Haifa Model is an implementation program aimed at increasing knowledge about and awareness of learning disabilities in general, and at training teams in schools to identify and remediate students with reading and writing difficulties. It includes an evidence-based intervention model, which was studied in 100 schools during the years 2009-2012, as well as workshops to provide teachers with theoretical knowledge about learning disabilities, reading and writing assessment tools, and intervention programs. Participants are given guidance in identifying and profiling students with reading difficulties, and in applying the Reading Acceleration Program (RAP), which was designed to improve reading and writing processes. Reading acceleration contributes to the synchronization of brain systems and has been shown to be a central factor in the improvement of reading quality. Manipulations aimed at accelerating reading improve both the accuracy and speed of reading, as well as reading comprehension among adults and children. The acceleration manipulation concept was integrated into a computer-based training program in which the speed of presentation of stimuli (words, sentences, a short paragraph) gradually increased. Since 2012, the Edmond J. Safra-Haifa Model has been integrated into the Israeli education system through teacher seminars at teacher training centers nationwide. Overall, 409 teachers from 202 schools participated in the seminars between 2012 and 2015. Feedback questionnaires from teachers, school principals, and students alike have revealed high satisfaction.