Orton-Gillingham based programs are common recommendations for reading challenges. However, if this strategy has not worked for your loved one, this could be why.
Per cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore, both Orton-Gillingham programs and the LearningRx reading program follow the Science of Reading methodology. So all of the elements included in the Orton-Gillingham methodology are also included in the LearningRx program, ReadRx, which is delivered based on a brain training approach.
Meta Analysis Regarding Orton-Gillingham
Several years ago, there was a meta-analysis around the Orton-Gillingham program and results. A meta-analysis is a statistical analysis of a large body of research, many different studies. The analysis looked at the outcomes of all of this research and found a lack of statistically significant gains in basic reading skills from Orton-Gillingham programs.
What Drives the Disconnect with the Orton-Gillingham Approach?
So why does the OG approach not work as well for some students? We believe that if a child has weak cognitive skills, this explains why this reading instruction didn’t stick. This is because these cognitive skills are the foundation for effective reading instruction and when they are lacking and not addressed, students continue to struggle with reading.
How LearningRx is Different
Cognitive skills training administered through the ReadRx program strengthens the weak cognitive skills that are required for fluency, reading comprehension, phonemic awareness and auditory analysis.
LearningRx Peer-Reviewed Reading Research
Recent peer-reviewed research published in the journal Psychology Research and Behavior Management showed significant reading improvements for clients completing the LearningRx reading intervention. These results were attained in just 24 weeks of training.
Below is a summary of this research:
- In a research study with more than 3,500 struggling readers, researchers found statistically significant changes in both reading skills and cognitive skills after 24 weeks of training with ReadRx.
- The average gain across five reading skills was 4.1 years in just 24 weeks.
- The average gain in phonological awareness was nearly 6 years in just 24 weeks.
- The average gain in phonetic coding was 5.5 years in just 24 weeks.
- The average gain in spelling was 2.2 years in just 24 weeks.
- The average gain in Word Attack was 2.9 years in just 24 weeks.
- The average gain in IQ score was nearly 14 points.
- Parents reported improvements in cognition, academic performance, and psychosocial skills.
If you are frustrated with the reading gains your child has achieved through reading tutoring and interventions, call LearningRx Savage to learn more. Our initial assessment will identify the root cause of these reading difficulties and provide insights as to why they continue to struggle and how to address these reading deficits so your child can excel.
Results are from past clients. You or your loved ones may or may not achieve the same outcomes, but you can learn more about our research and results here.