Frequently Asked Questions

 Gemm Learning FAQ

What do you offer?

Gemm Learning helps K-12 children with reading and language-based learning issues.  We target the underlying cause of learning issues rather than simply tutoring around them.  Our primary intervention is Fast ForWord software, a reading and language program, which students work on at home or in center. 

How does your service work?

Your child works on a computer five days a week at a center and at home.  We manage the subject matter remotely.  We send pre-enrolled software, head-phones, tracking sheets, tokens and other motivational material.  If you live near a center we can also send a coach if you'd like!  Or you can use our Gemm at Home service.

How long does this take?

Our program takes 3-6 months.  The minimum period required to get results is 40 hours, or about two months.  Younger ones can take longer.  Most children work for 50 minutes a day, five days a week, although a 90-minute, three days a week protocol is also available.  A 30-minute protocol is available also.

How does Fast ForWord help reading?

By improving processing speed, Fast ForWord improves your child’s ability to hear the phonemes needed for sounding out when reading – this directly impacts reading fluency and comprehension.  Fast ForWord also exercises working memory, attention stamina and sequencing, essential cognitive skills for successful reading.  The Reading series builds on these skills with comprehensive instruction ranging from spelling and syntax to reading accuracy and higher level comprehension and thinking.

How does Fast ForWord help learning and cognitive issues?

How do you monitor progress?

After every session the student's data is uploaded through the Internet to our server.  We track errors, rate of progress, work-rate and many other items,  a summary of which parents receive weekly.  We are in constant contact by phone and email, reacting to progress and making changes to the work assignments in accordance with that student's individualized plan.  We also send out regular evaluations and progress towards completion goals.  Our service is explained in more detail here.

How is Gemm different from tutoring?

We are a learning-intervention service.  We are going after the glitch that is causing the learning difficulties. Tutoring is more about providing content, providing more of the same material your child is already seeing at school.  Tutoring is useful to meet short term goals, preparing for the next test, etc. but most often it's a band aid and an expense that does not bear long term fruit.  Gemm programs are more profound and far-reaching than that.  They are an investment in the future, laying a foundation that will lead to higher achievement in all future years.  And in the end, it is a much better use of financial resources. More here on why we are different.

When do I start seeing results?

After about three weeks most parents start to notice signs of change.  Language gains and better confidence in younger children, more confidence in reading in older students.  Everyone is different though, and for some children the gains come more slowly.

Can my child do this at home?

Yes.  If you child can work alone we can set you up to work at home, with regular uploads of data through the Internet so that we can monitor progress. We communicate by phone and email regularly.  If your child will need supervision, we can arrange a coach to come to your house for each session.  If you live outside our Westchester and Fairfield County coach-availability region, you can work with your child or find local help that we will mentor.   More on Gemm At Home here.

Do I need to commit up-front?  What packages do you offer?

No.  While we do offer four and six month pre-paid packages that are popular, you can pay month to month with the ability to cancel at any time.  More on our program alternatives here.  We also offer a two-week test drive option to all new clients, a two-week period within which a  new client can cancel for a full refund except for the modest registration fee.   We are careful about choosing candidates for our program, but there can be mistakes -- that is where the test drive option is useful, for you and for Gemm Learning.

How do you get started?

When you contact us and if you live nearby, we set you up for an initial screening, the goal of which is to make sure our program addresses your child's needs.  The screening takes about an hour.  If we can help, your child can start within a day or two depending on which service option you choose, in center or at home.  More on getting started here.

How do you know Fast ForWord really works?
Continuous research.  Since its origins in university labs, scientists have continuously tracked the gains resulting from students using Fast ForWord.  To date there are over 90 school based research studies tracking over 40,000 students. In addition, independent research conducted by Stanford University has imaged the brain before and after the use Fast ForWord to show that areas of the brain are activated after product use. 

Who benefits from Fast ForWord use?

While everyone can benefit, the vast majority of users are K-12.  The Brain Fitness Program was developed by the same neuroscientists to serve mature adults. Research has proven that at-risk, ELL, learning disabled, and emotionally challenged students have had profound life changing results from using this product.

Is this one of those products that you have to do forever?
No. Because it is designed by targeting what the brain needs in order to change. When using the recommended schedule (protocol), you will see positive results in 8-12 weeks. Because the brain is strengthening the cognitive skills, these benefits continue to last a lifetime.