Learning Literacy through Wilson Reading

What is the Wilson Reading System?
The Wilson Reading System is a powerful approach to developing literacy. This Direct Instruction, research-based program is delivered in a One to One setting and is designed to significantly improve a student’s decoding, spelling and fluency skills through twelve steps. Based on Orton-Gillingham principles, the Wilson Reading System is a highly-structured remedial program that directly teaches the structure of the English language to students who have been unable to learn with other teaching strategies, or who may require multi-sensory language instruction.

Who benefits from this program?
At Ruth Rumack's Learning Space, the Wilson Reading System supports students from grades 2 to 12, who are not making sufficient progress within their regular or special education classrooms. It is highly recommended for students who have been diagnosed with a language-based learning disability. This program is intended to bring reading skills up to grade level and beyond and to empower students with reading success. Students benefit from a high degree of educational support and the structure necessary for reaching significant learning milestones.

How is this program delivered?
The Wilson Reading System is a Direct Instruction program and is delivered in a One to One setting, by a certified teacher, within a private space, free from noise and distraction. The RRLS teachers who implement the Wilson Reading System have either a B.Ed or M.Ed, are well trained, and have extensive One to One and classroom experience. This highly effective instructional method involves the explicit teaching of concepts in a strategic and systematic manner. Students must show mastery of each skill before moving forward to the next step. RRLS teachers use a variety of multi-sensory teaching tools that greatly enhance student understanding.

The Wilson Reading System at RRLS includes:

Progress Tracking & Communication: 

• All parents receive monthly Student Progress Reports, which keep them informed of progress, outline achievement, and establish revised learning goals.
• With parental permission, Learning Specialists will communicate and collaborate with classroom teachers in order to ensure that our work is supported in the classroom and vice versa.
• Over the course of the year, an RRLS Liaison will phone parents to discuss a student’s development, and provide an opportunity to discuss any comments or concerns.
• At regular intervals, RRLS will formally assess a student’s progress through the program’s standardized test or through other formal processes. Results are formally presented to parents.

Full-year study schedule:

• RRLS establishes a full-year study schedule for each student that builds learning momentum and encourages further solidification of skills.
• Skype lessons and take-home packages are provided to students who must be away for long periods of time in order to facilitate full year support.

How does RRLS measure results?
The Wilson Reading System is built on the mastery of skills and uses diagnostic teaching within the scope and sequence of the program. Before beginning the Wilson Reading System program, each student completes the Wilson Assessment of Decoding and Encoding (WADE) in order to establish a baseline of skills. After completing each of the twelve steps (books) of the program, the student is given a Post-Step test to confirm consolidation of the skills taught up to that point.  Along with formal test results, both parents and students are given regular feedback as to progress achieved within the program.

When and where is this program offered?
The ideal setting for this program is private One to One lessons at our office located at 720 Spadina Avenue, where each learning space has been designed to minimize noise and other distractions. However, lessons can be delivered at your child’s school or at your home for an additional charge. Lessons must be delivered 2 to 5 times a week to establish a productive learning rhythm and to reap the full benefits of the program. 

How do I begin or receive more information?
You can call RRLS at 416.925.1225.

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