Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that isn't answered on this page, please send me an email, and I'll answer your question personally.

What is the Orton-Gillingham approach?

All educators trained in the Wilson Reading System use the Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching reading and spelling. This approach is based on the work of Dr. Samuel Orton and Anna Gillingham along with scientific research of best reading practices for people who struggle to learn how to read. The Wilson Reading System is a program, while Orton-Gillingham is the approach it has used for many years to successfully teach people, who have language-based diabilities like dyslexia how to read effectively. Orton-Gillingham Principles: Systematic and Sequential: Lessons follow a specific order or progression and build on previously taught material. Multisensory: Visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic techniques are incorporated simultaneously. Diagnostic: Instructional decisions are based on the child's needs. The teacher constantly monitors areas of weakness and progress. Observations and assessments are used to inform instruction. Prescriptive: Lessons are created based on what was observed diagnostically and are tailored to student's individual needs. Tools and strategies are changed based on monitoring and prescriptive lesson plans. Students don't more forward until they achieve mastery of the skill. Explicit: Teachers use direct instruction. Flexible: Teachers have the freedom to change the direction of the lesson plan based on student performance.

What assessments do you use to evaluate and monitor progress?

I use a variety of assessments to evaluate and monitor each student's progress.

How long does the program take?

I honestly can't say because it varies, depending upon many factors such as attendance, past knowledge, what else is happening in the student's life, the independent work outside of class, degree of language difficulty, etc. Most students complete the program within 2-3 years, but some need additional time. It is important to master each of the 12 Steps of the program, rather than hurry through it.

Is the Wilson Reading Program the right fit for my child?

Students need to be tested using the WIST assessment in order to determine the appropriate level of instruction and intervention support needed for your child. The Wilson Reading Program is a Tier 3 program. It is designed for individuals who require the most intensive level of instruction. The Wilson Reading System is appropriate for students with significant difficulty in word-level decoding, automatic word recognition and fluency, and spelling, including students with dyslexia who require an intensive remedial program. In addition to the Wilson Reading System, Wilson also provides Tier 1 and 2 programs. Tier 1: Fundations (Grades Pre-K-3) Tier 2: Fundations (Grades K-3) or Just Words (Grades 4-12 and adults.)