WRS Spotlight: Student With Dyslexia Earns the Highest Possible ACT Reading Score 

Madalynn remembers trying to read a book when she was in second grade. “I just can’t do it!” she cried to her mom. Her mother, a third-grade teacher, took her for a neuropsychological evaluation. The specialist diagnosed Madalynn with dyslexia and recommended the Wilson Reading System® (WRS).

Madalynn had described schoolwork during those early years as torture. Now she is a high school senior who has been accepted to six universities. Madalynn’s amazing journey is the result of determination, a strong support system, and WRS.

Dawn Hillstrom, a Wilson® Dyslexia Therapist who also has a WRS Level II Certification, began working with Madalynn when she was in third grade. “Initially overwhelmed with frustration, Madalynn would break down into tears at least three times during a session,” Dawn shared. But over time, Dawn secured Madalynn’s trust by demystifying her concerns about her diagnosis and demonstrating how WRS gives her “power” over words by helping her understand why words are pronounced and spelled the way they are.

Madalynn’s parents remained tremendously supportive. Her father assisted with the work Dawn sent home every week to help Madalynn develop automaticity and practice applying the skills she learned during their sessions.   

After Madalynn had completed WRS, Dawn continued to work with her on study skills, writing, and ACT preparation. She proudly watched as Madalynn gained confidence, self-advocating and earning placement in Honors English in high school during her junior and senior years. And she was overjoyed when Madalynn achieved the highest possible score, a 36, on her Reading ACT.

“Reading had been my nemesis,” Madalynn wrote in her Common App Essay. “Scoring a 36 on the Reading section astounded me, something my younger self thought was unattainable… A 36 represents more than my reading score; it represents how strong of a bridge over the ocean of ‘dyslexia’ I built, and I am proud to say, ‘I did it!'”