The Science of Reading

Understanding Structured Literacy 

Structured Literacy is a comprehensive and integrated approach to reading and writing instruction. It systematically builds on oral language while explicitly teaching the structure of written language. At The Roig Academy, our teachers use this evidence-based approach to connect foundational skills with critical thinking skills, ensuring that every student develops strong reading and writing skills.

“At The Roig Academy, our mission has always been to ensure that every student has the tools to succeed. Through Structured Literacy, we provide high-quality instruction that empowers every learner to build lasting confidence across all subjects.” 

– Dr. Jenni Roig Ed.D, Co-Head of School, The Roig Academy

Understanding The Orton-Gillingham Approach

Samuel Torrey Orton (1879-1948) was a pioneer in directing his attention and focus on reading failure and related language processing difficulties. He gathered neuroscientific information and principles of remediation. As early as the 1920s, he studied children with the kind of language processing difficulties now commonly associated with dyslexia and created an array of teaching principles for children with dyslexia.

Anna Gillingham (1878-1963) was an educator and psychologist. Working closely alongside Dr. Orton, she trained teachers, compiled and has published several instructional materials based on the approach she and Dr.Orton developed. The Orton-Gillingham Approach has been the gold standard and most effective intervention designed for remediating language-based learning disabilities such as dyslexia.

The Orton-Gillingham Approach (OG) is an instructional technique with Scientific roots. It has been found to be particularly effective for individuals with dyslexia; those who have unexpected difficulty with reading, spelling, and writing. At The Roig Academy, Orton-Gillingham is used both in the classroom and in small group instruction. 

Orton-Gillingham is diagnostic and prescriptive. It is direct and explicit. The sequence of skills ensures the student’s success and all skills are practiced to mastery.

Orton-Gillingham is a language-based approach. Teachers at The Roig Academy are trained in the phonological (sound structure), morphological (form of words), and orthographical (writing convention) structure of the English language. With this approach, students are able to learn the structure of words and how understanding this structure helps not only with decoding but also with vocabulary and comprehension as well. While the Orton-Gillingham is multisensory in nature, the auditory, visual, and kinesthetic elements are used together for optimal learning.

“This school was an absolute blessing. My son’s confidence returned and his gifts and talents soared. After the excellent training that he received at The Roig, he was able to excel.”

– I.H. Parent