Our Approach
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We use Structured Literacy to help students who struggle with reading, writing, and spelling. This method is based on the Orton-Gillingham (OG) Approach, which is step-by-step, multisensory, and phonics-based. It is proven to work for students with dyslexia and other reading differences.
Our goal is not just to help students “get by.” We want them to understand what they are learning, apply it in everyday situations, and become confident, independent readers and writers.
The Five Key Areas of Reading
In 2000, the National Reading Panel reviewed more than 100,000 studies and found five essential areas for effective reading instruction. At ETC, every lesson is designed to include these skills:
Phonemic Awareness
Understanding the sounds in spoken words.
Phonics
Systematic, explicit, and intensive instruction in sound-symbol relationships.
Fluency
Reading smoothly, with accuracy and expression.
Vocabulary
Learning new words and their meanings.
Comprehension
Making sense of what is read.
We also teach the essential spelling rules of English at the same time we teach students to read phonetic words. This creates stronger connections and better retention.
Targeted, Integrated, and Effective
No two students are alike. That’s why we start with a Skill Assessment to identify a student’s unique strengths and needs. Then we design a personalized program just for them.
Lessons are systematic – ordered so that each new skill builds on what came before.
Students learn not just what to do, but also why.
Constant review and repeated practice help students retain skills for the long term.
Positive reinforcement builds confidence along the way.
Did You Know?
“There is simply no doubt that if children receive effective instruction early and with intensity, they can make large gains in general academic achievement.” – G. Reid Lyon, Ph.D., Learning Disabilities and Early Intervention Strategies
This is why early intervention matters — and why our approach is so effective.
What a Lesson Looks Like
One-on-one sessions
Each student works directly with one tutor.
Frequency
2–3 times per week, for 45–60 minutes per session.
Structure
Lessons move from simple to more complex, with review built in.
Multisensory learning
Students use sight, sound, touch, and movement.
Over time, step-by-step, students begin to internalize what they learn, generalize it to new situations, and grow into competent, independent learners.
Lasting Results
Our remediation is not a quick fix. Most students work with ETC tutors for about two years or more — though progress varies depending on each student’s needs and prior knowledge.
We move as fast as we can, but as slow as we must to ensure true mastery. This way, students build long-lasting automaticity with the life-long literacy skills they need for success.
At ETC, our approach combines proven science, compassionate teaching, and individualized support. The result? Students who not only learn to read — but learn to love reading.