Literacy Academy adopts Orton Gillingham method to enhance special education reading skills

The New Canaan School District's Board of Education meeting on April 21, 2025, spotlighted a transformative approach to literacy education, particularly for special education students. The discussion centered on the implementation of the Orton-Gillingham (OG) method, a structured literacy approach recognized for its effectiveness in teaching reading and spelling.

Dr. Samuel Orton and Anna Gillingham pioneered this method in the late 1930s, and it has since been embraced for its systematic and multisensory techniques. The meeting highlighted how the OG approach is not merely a program but a comprehensive teaching strategy that requires extensive training for educators. This ensures that teachers can adapt lessons based on individual student needs, making instruction both explicit and diagnostic.

The Literacy Academy, a key initiative within the district, aims to enhance literacy skills among special education students through intensive, scientifically-based instruction. Jen, an OG fellow, oversees the program, providing ongoing coaching and professional development to teachers. This unique leadership is crucial in maintaining high standards of literacy instruction.

The meeting also outlined the process for student entry into the Literacy Academy, which includes data-driven evaluations and response interventions. This tailored approach allows for individualized learning plans, ensuring that each student receives the support they need to succeed.

As the district moves forward, the emphasis on structured literacy and the OG method promises to significantly improve reading outcomes for students, particularly those with special educational needs. The commitment to ongoing training and specialized instruction positions New Canaan as a leader in innovative literacy education.