Research
Recognition of Quality
The Nessy Reading and Spelling program has been recommended as a high-quality evidence based program by AUSPELD and DSF(1), global partner of the International Dyslexia Association. It has been awarded the British Dyslexia Association mark of quality assurance and is winner of the Educational Resources Award.
Strong independent research collected worldwide shows that SSP programs provide the best opportunity to produce significant literacy improvement(2). As a structured synthetic phonics (SSP) program, based upon the principles and findings of extensive research, Nessy Reading and Spelling is evidence based.
Methodology
Nessy Reading and Spelling is based upon the Orton-Gillingham and structured literacy methodology which follows the Science of Reading (methods or approaches to reading that have been proved through research). It begins with the foundational skills of phonological awareness and phonemic awareness using explicit instruction with structured, systematic, synthetic phonics.
The program progresses to an advanced multi-syllabic level, developing solid literacy skills with fluency, morphology, vocabulary and comprehension strengthening activities. Spelling, including teaching of sight words, is linked to the reading instruction. Game-based learning activities are designed to build correct pathways, providing the student appropriate error correction and feedback.
“Research has consistently demonstrated that a successful literacy program is most effective when it includes explicit instruction designed to improve a student’s ability to accurately read and spell individual words and their ability to comprehend and utilise a variety of language-based processes.”
- Dyslexia SPELD Foundation (DSF)(3)
Our Approach
We are led by scientific research that has been produced at the great institutions of the world including, Yale Centre of Dyslexia and Creativity, Specific Learning Difficulties Association (SPELD), the University of Oregon Center on Teaching and Learning, Florida Centre of Reading Research (FCRR), and adhere to the directives of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). Significant research has been done on systematic synthetic phonics (SSP) and structured literacy methodologies, the findings of which have been the theoretical basis of the Nessy Reading and Spelling program.
The program is an Orton-Gillingham influenced digital curriculum that automatically guides children through an individualised program of explicit instruction. Resources were piloted and developed though classroom use at the Bristol Dyslexia Centre. The program is accessed by students signing into the platform on computers or tablets. The computer guided work is completed by children independent of teacher assistance however the 1000s of printable supplemental resources may be used by a teacher where students require more intensive support.
Nessy does NOT use a whole language, guided reading or balanced literacy approach.
Citations
(1). Dyslexia SPELD Foundation (DSF)
(2). The Clackmannanshire study of the effectiveness of a synthetic phonics program
The National Reading Panel Report 2000
International Dyslexia association, Effective Reading Instruction
(3). Understanding Learning Difficulties – A Guide for Parents produced by SPELD
(4). The University of Oregon’s DIBELS Data System holds records from over 22,000 schools
(5). Professor Petscher