While there are countless reading programs available, many of the most prominent and strongly supported by research follow the Orton-Gillingham approach. Orton-Gillingham is a multisensory reading method taught in small groups or one-to-one. Developed by Samuel Orton, M.D., and three teachers with whom he worked (Anna Gillingham, Bessie Stillman, and Beth Slingerland), this approach incorporates auditory, visual, and kinesthetic elements. Children tap each finger to their thumb as they sound out words. The following programs are all based on the Orton-Gillingham approach.
Wilson Reading System
The Wilson Reading System combines the Orton-Gillingham approach with phonological-coding research. Designed for children in second grade and above, children meet either individually or in a group for 60-90 minutes 2-5 times per week. Teachers complete a 94-hour certification course, as well as a 60-lesson practicum with students. Lessons are planned individually, but a standard lesson outline is followed. Student’s automaticity and fluency are assessed before moving on to the next lesson. Fundations, a version of Wilson for students in Kindergarten to third grade, uses a group approach to supplement class material.
SpellRead
SpellRead is a small group program for students in second to twelfth grade. This program focuses on learning to read progressively more complex letter combinations.
READ180
Designed for students between fourth and ninth grade, READ180 uses 90-minute groups. This program incorporates direct instruction and a computer program.
Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing (LiPS)
LiPS focuses on the articulation of specific sounds, stressing the oral motor characteristics of each speech sound. Letter patterns, sight words, and context clues are also incorporated.
Sound Partners
Sound Partners is a phonics-based tutoring program that provides supplemental instruction for children in Kindergarten through third grade.
Success for All (SFA)
Developed by Robert Slavin and Nancy Madden, this program requires 90 minutes of instruction per day.
Read Naturally
Read Naturally is a computer program that also incorporates audio and texts.
Read, Write & Type
This is another computer program designed for students between six and nine years old.
While all of these programs have been found to be effective, What Works Clearinghouse (https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/FWW) provides research and comparisons between these programs.
Reference:
Shaywitz, S., & Shaywitz, J. (2020). Overcoming dyslexia (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Penguin Random House LLC.