Looking for an effective reading instruction program? Read our ultimate guide to Wilson Language Training and reviews.

An ultimate guide to Wilson Language Training and reviews

Wilson Language Training is a highly developed program created to allow students to learn and perfect reading and spelling skills.

For over three decades, Wilson Language Training (WLT) has been dedicated to improving literacy for students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties by providing research-based, multi-sensory structured literacy programs.

With their mission of "Literacy for All," Wilson has become a pioneer and leader in championing the science of reading, empowering educators across the country to help their students develop strong phonemic awareness and comprehension skills.

Here, we’re giving you an in-depth look at how the program works and its effectiveness in teaching literacy skills.

The history and mission of Wilson Language Training

Wilson Language Training was established in 1985 by Barbara and Edward Wilson, two former educators passionate about helping students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. This pioneering couple recognized the need for better reading instruction for such students and decided to take action.

In every school year since then, Wilson has been a leading provider of innovative, high-quality English language solutions that bridge the gap between knowledge and understanding. They believe every student deserves a chance to succeed, including those with below-grade-level reading skills. To this end, they provide professional development opportunities and ongoing support to teachers and administrators.

Wilson literacy specialists work hard each day to "provide quality professional learning and ongoing support so that educators have the skills and tools they need to help their students."

Working with accredited partners and other bodies such as the International Dyslexia Association, Wilson offers both in-person and online courses to teachers across all school districts in America. The organization also provides teachers with sample lesson plans designed to help them effectively deliver literacy instruction.

A breakdown of Wilson Language Training programs

Wilson Language Training offers three age-appropriate literacy programs designed to develop language and reading skills: Fundations®, Just Words®, and the Wilson Reading System®.

Fundations®

This is an evidence-based, multi-sensory phonics and spelling program designed for Pre-K through third-grade classrooms. It helps students learn foundational literacy skills and provides teachers with the tools to effectively teach their students in a way that facilitates understanding and retention.

Fundations® includes alphabetic instruction in letter formation, sound recognition, and phonemic awareness activities. It also delves into syllable division rules, phoneme segmentation, and word study, particularly the spelling of high-frequency words. There are additionally handy supplemental resources to help teachers track student progress.

Just Words®

This is a comprehensive reading program specifically designed for older struggling readers (grades 4-12) who possess basic decoding skills but have a deficit in their vocabulary, fluency, and reading comprehension skills.

Just Words® breaks down the components of multi-syllable words into smaller units which are then combined in new ways to create meaningful words. This process helps students recognize words more quickly when they come across them in text.

The Wilson Reading System® (WRS)

WRS is an intensive intervention program for older struggling readers (grades 2 -12) who have difficulty with phonological decoding, encoding, and comprehension due to dyslexia or other language processing disorders.

WRS uses a multisensory approach that combines auditory processing exercises with visual tracking activities to teach individuals how to read fluently and accurately.

The program offers different levels of certification to recognize educators who have mastered the best practices necessary to implement the WRS in their classroom successfully.

WRS Level I Certification is an introductory program that prepares teachers to interact with students effectively. On the other hand, WRS Level II Certification focuses on advanced concepts of the English language and the delivery of instruction to small groups of students. The two certifications are available as web-based year-long practicums.

Research and results

Wilson programs are based on current reading research, which reveals that phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension are all essential in teaching students how to read. State college- and career-readiness standards emphasize these skills, as well as the National Reading Panel and the National Institute for Literacy.

Many educators report seeing firsthand the positive effects Wilson programs can have on students. From improved confidence and self-esteem to better performance in both schoolwork and standardized tests, teachers frequently report dramatic changes when implementing these programs in their classrooms.

Because the programs are based on solid scientific evidence rather than trial-and-error strategies, educators can trust that their efforts will bring about meaningful changes for even the most challenged learners.

Use Speechify for even better results

If you're looking for an efficient, accessible way to enhance your Wilson Language Training experience, look no further than Speechify.

Speechify is a text to speech (TTS) app that helps readers uncover the foundational language skills developed through Wilson programs. Speechify works like a personal reader. Once you select the content you want to read and the voice to use, the app instantly converts the content into spoken words that are highlighted on the screen.

In addition, you can customize the pace at which you want to read while still maintaining comprehension. This makes the app suitable for learners trying to learn a new language or simply practicing their reading skills.

Speechify is available as a Chrome extension, but you can also download the iOS or Android mobile app.

Why wait? Get started with Speechify today and discover the perfect Wilson Language Training companion.

FAQ

What is the difference between Wilson Reading and Orton-Gillingham?

Wilson Reading is a newer literacy program that employs some elements of Orton-Gillingham but has a tiered approach.

How effective is the Wilson Reading program?

The Wilson Reading program has been shown to be effective in helping students improve their reading skills.

Is Wilson Reading evidence-based?

Wilson Reading is an evidence-based intervention.

What is the best age to start the Wilson Reading program?

The program is appropriate for students in second grade and up.

Is Wilson a program for remediation?

Yes, Wilson is a remediation program. It helps people with dyslexia and other reading disabilities improve their reading skills. It does this by providing personalized instruction and feedback to help students learn how to read accurately and fluently.

What is the difference between Wilson and other reading systems?

Wilson is a scientific, systematic approach to teaching reading. It's explicit, intensive, and focused.