The movement of the eyes in reading does not involve a smooth sweeping of the eyes along the text but rather a series of short stops (called fixations) and quick movements between words (called saccades). A deficit in how the eyes perform these two movements can be very disruptive to the reading process.Tracking should not be confused with general vision which may be adequate for the reading process.

The ability to capture information in its correct sequential order as it is read is also an important component in the reading process. A deficit in this area becomes apparent when an individual reads sequential information such as a mathematics problem, time-line or science experiment. Sequencing should not be confused with overall memory. Although both are part of the memory system Sequencing refers to ones ability to capture and retain information in its correct sequential order in the immediate memory and retain it in that order for use in working memory. It is quite conceivable for an individual to be able to remember general information and yet not retain the order of that information. A tracking and sequencing are critical for fluent reading and these skills are trained extensively in the MD4 Reading program.

It is often difficult for others to others to recognize a weakness in tracking or sequencing. We cannot see how a students eyes are moving making it is easy to form an incorrect assumption that the student is tracking correctly. Sequencing deficits are also difficult to spot. Students are asked to read all types of information some of which is sequential and some that is not. Because a deficit in sequencing will come up only with certain types of material it is critical to note exactly what type of data a student is struggling with.

Tracking should only be formally assessed by a qualified healthcare provider.

There are a number of excellent formal tests to accurately assess sequencing, one of those is the "Visual Aural Digit Span Test"  published by the Psychological Corporation.

Please "Scope & Sequence" for additional information on how the MD4 Reading program addresses weakness in tracking and sequencing.

Following is a partial list of the prerequisite reading skills that Area 2 of the MD4 Reading program trains. Please note that some skills are trained in more than one area and that the degree or amount training of a skill can vary between areas.