Frequently Asked Questions

Wilson provides research-based reading and spelling programs for all ages, kindergarten to adult. Its multisensory, structured curricula have proven effective with a variety of learners, especially those with language-based learning disabilities.

• Fundations® (Levels K–3) serves as a prevention program to help K–Grade 3 students reduce reading and spelling failure. It can be used as a prevention or early intervention program. Under the umbrella of Fundations is the Ready to Rise™ Program, designed to help teachers instruct their rising first and second graders by targeting foundational skills.
• Wilson Just Words® is a highly explicit, multisensory decoding and spelling program for students in Grades 4–12 and adults who have mild to moderate gaps in their decoding and spelling proficiency but do not require intensive intervention.
• Wilson Reading System® is an intensive program for Grades 2–12 and adults with word-level deficits who are not making sufficient progress through their current intervention; have been unable to learn with other teaching strategies and require multisensory language instruction; or who require more intensive structured literacy instruction due to a language-based learning disability, such as dyslexia.

More information about each program, tiers, and curriculum is available here.

Yes, WLT programs, materials, and professional learning are proven to be effective in developing the reading skills of individuals with a language-based learning disability or who have otherwise struggled to learn to read.

Implementation largely depends upon the selected program. Features that are universal between Wilson programs include:

•     accessible, multisensory curriculum lead by a certified educator in prescribed time blocks outside of the established classroom curriculum,
•     material that is grounded in the science of reading and allows learners to make new connections cognitively, and
•     lessons designed to approach language in an explicit and systematic approach that allows learners to access new skills and information by building off of previously learned material.

More specific information for each program is available here.

No, grammar is not directly instructed in WLT programs. This is because students should also be participating in a regular ELA class and would, therefore, receive instruction in grammar through that class. The language skills WLT programs support do help students access the rules and patterns of the English language.

Yes. Since it may take quite a bit of time for students to independently work at their grade level, assistive technology (including screen reading software, e-books, and products designed to support note taking) can be a very important additional factor toward student success.

Adaptations include manipulatives with braille (in coordination with the American Printing House for the Blind), PDF versions of manuals and handouts that are screen-reader friendly, closed captioning of videos, and an American Sign Language interpreter on an as-needed basis. In addition, the Wilson Certification Board meets on a regular basis to determine extended time options for teachers in need of more time to complete the course(s). In the event traditional manipulatives are not an option, Wilson also offers a digital platform that provides access to key parts of the curriculum.  This online learning platform, Wilson Academy, is currently monitored for compliance. Any exceptions are identified by a VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template). New content is developed to meet Web Content Accessibility Guides (WCAG) Level AA compliance.

Other allowed accommodations include the use of the phone/tablet/computer to check the spelling of a word when spelling options are of concern. Technological applications, such as Notability, may be used for marking up; students sometimes use the drawing tools as more efficient writing tools.

Absolutely. Materials may be purchased over the phone or the internet. Please visit our store homepage.  Parents and guardians who homeschool or just want to gain a more in-depth understanding of any of our programs are welcome to register for our workshops and courses which are offered throughout the United States.