Wilson Reading Overview

Wilson has proven effectiveness for students who are significantly behind in reading, have trouble sounding out words, reading smoothly, and spelling. It is designed for students in Grades 2 through adult. It has earned the accreditation of the International Dyslexia Association.  

Wilson is a structured literacy program, which means that students learn in an organized, explicit and sequential manner. The instruction follows a logical progression of language skills, which build on one another. The lessons are taught one-to-one and are individualized for each student. While the tutor follows a well-defined program of skills and routines, they also constantly monitor student progress to plan and pace each lesson according what that child needs that day. Instruction includes phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Wilson is divided into 12 Steps, organized by the complexity of the  English spelling patterns. The steps do not correlate with grade levels. Step 1 starts with 3-sound words. Following steps present multi-syllable words, Latin and Greek bases, and all six syllable types that are found in English. By the time students finish Step 12, they have learned to read and spell nearly every type of word they will encounter in the English language.

How are Reading Rays tutors trained?

All of the Reading Rays tutors are certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioners. Their certification requires approximately 200 hours of coursework (6 graduate credits), as well as a year-long supervised practicum, during which they build their skills by tutoring a student while observed by a trainer. The Reading Rays team has been hand-picked for their expertise in teaching reading and their commitment to the success of every student. We are parents, licensed teachers, and trusted community builders.