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Artificial Intelligence and Dyslexia: Expanding Access While Preserving Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into K–12 educational settings, offering potential benefits for students with dyslexia and the educators who support them. This article examines AI applications through the lens of cognitive science and structured literacy, arguing that AI holds promise when used to enhance access to text, strengthen diagnostic precision, and support instructional responsiveness. When aligned with evidence-based reading instruction, AI tools can reduce barriers to written expression, expand access to grade-level content, and support teachers in implementing targeted interventions. However, effective implementation requires [...]

Professional Training Institute (PTI): Orton-Gillingham Training at Its BestWhy PTI? Let’s Start HereNot all Orton-Gillingham trainings are created equal. Just because a company uses Orton-Gillingham (OG) in its name or its domain doesn’t mean that it’s accredited. Our training meets the high standards set forth by the Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA). Professional Training Institute’s (PTI) Orton-Gillingham training program has undergone a rigorous application and site-visitation process to ensure the highest quality teaching and mentoring that meets the Academy’s demanding standards. Only training through an OGA-affiliated facility can lead to membership in the Academy.Highly experienced OGA Fellows who are active members of the [...]

The Role of Phonemic Awareness in Literacy Success When we explore best practices in reading instruction, we see significant reference to and discussion about phonemic awareness. What is phonemic awareness? What role does it play in reading success? In This Article The Role of Phonemic Awareness in Literacy Success Phonemes Fostering Phonemic Awareness Assessment Next Steps References Phonemic Awareness FAQs Phonemes A phoneme is an individual speech sound, and awareness of speech sounds in words is a precursor to reading and spelling success. Before children learn to read printed words, they need to become aware of how the sounds in [...]

PTI Teacher Profile: Enerolina Taveras Courses taken with PTI: Orton-Gillingham Associate level coursework and practicum Tell us about you. What is your current teaching role? I am a second grade Spanish Immersion Teacher in a public district in Massachusetts. Tell us in what ways your O-G training has enhanced your teaching. Orton-Gillingham training has enabled me to have a systematic approach to teach phonics, decoding, phonological awareness, and penmanship skills to my students. As a result, my students have become stronger readers, meeting grade-level benchmarks and experiencing greater confidence as readers and writers.  In what ways do you [...]

PTI Teacher Profile: Tammy McGeoghegan Courses taken through PTI: Orton-Gillingham Associate level coursework and practicum Beyond Associate O-G seminars Nancibell® Visualizing & Verbalizing® for Language Comprehension and Thinking Tell us about you. What is your current teaching role? I have been a special educator since 2008, and I have worked as a special education liaison, as well as in small sub-separate classes. I am currently a special education reading interventionist at a public middle school in Massachusetts. Tell us in what ways your multisensory training has enhanced your teaching. I primarily teach O-G 1:1 or in small group [...]

PTI Teacher Profile: Emily Maloney Courses taken through PTI: Orton-Gillingham Associate level coursework Orton-Gillingham Associate practicum Orton-Gillingham Certified level coursework (currently completing Practicum) Tell us about you. What are your current teaching roles? I am a speech-language pathologist and work as a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at Worcester State University. I teach both undergraduate and graduate courses, including a Reading and Writing Disorders class for students earning their Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology. I also work part-time providing speech and language services to students in the Hope Graham Program at Bancroft School in Worcester. In [...]

PTI Teacher Profile: Bianca Gonsalves Courses taken through PTI: Orton-Gillingham Associate level coursework Orton-Gillingham Associate practicum Beyond Associate O-G Seminars Nancibell® Visualizing and Verbalizing® Program for Language Comprehension Tell us about you. What is your current teaching role? I am currently a first grade teacher in the Lexington Public Schools (MA). I have been in this role for six years, and I truly love what I do. I specifically enjoy teaching my students to read. The first grade year is the time when students make the most reading growth (in terms of reading levels), and it is very important [...]

An article by our Danvers Center Director, Beth Dinelli, on the topic of building a strong foundation for reading success in young children was featured in the February 2020 issue of Boston Parents Paper. Boston Parents Paper is a free publication available at various locations throughout the region. Click below to check out the digital version of this excellent local resource (you’ll find Beth’s article on pages 14-15)! Visit Boston Parents Paper Online