Addressing the Literacy Crisis: Proven Solutions for Individuals, Schools, and Districts

The latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores confirm an alarming reality: reading proficiency among American students continues to decline. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average reading score for fourth graders in 2024 dropped two points from 2022 and five points from 2019, highlighting an urgent need for effective interventions. 40% of U.S. fourth graders have “below basic” reading skills, and 33% of eighth graders are “below basic.”

At Lindamood-Bell, we have spent nearly 40 years pioneering evidence-based solutions to address reading challenges at their core. Our instruction develops the sensory-cognitive foundations of reading—phonemic awareness, symbol imagery, and concept imagery—allowing struggling students to make lasting gains. Whether through Lindamood-Bell Learning Centers and Lindamood-Bell Academy for personalized instruction and curriculum or Lindamood-Bell  School Partnerships with districts, we provide the proven path to literacy success.

The Cognitive Science of Learning

Reading is an integration of three sensory-cognitive functions:

• Phonemic Awareness (essential for decoding and spelling)
• Symbol Imagery (critical for sight-word recognition, spelling, and fluency)
• Concept Imagery (vital for comprehension and critical thinking)

Students struggling with reading and literacy skills often have underlying sensory-cognitive weaknesses that must be addressed to facilitate learning. Traditional reading programs frequently focus only on phonics or comprehension strategies without addressing these underlying processes. Lindamood-Bell’s evidence-based instruction, utilizing Seeing Stars® (for word reading and spelling) and Visualizing and Verbalizing® (for comprehension), are designed to develop these essential functions.

Cutting-Edge Research Supports Our Approach

Recent neurological research from the University of Washington, Stanford University, and various other institutions reinforces the effectiveness of sensory-cognitive interventions for students with dyslexia and reading difficulties.

• University of Washington’s Reading & Dyslexia Research Program explores the cognitive and neurological factors behind reading difficulties and develops interventions that directly align with our approach.
• Stanford University’s Dyslexia Research Program has demonstrated that targeted instruction can rewire the brain, leading to lasting reading improvements.

Our programs produce measurable neurological changes and improvement in reading skills—a testament to their effectiveness in transforming struggling readers into confident learners.

Proven Results for Schools and Districts: Lindamood-Bell School Partnerships

Through Lindamood-Bell for Schools, we partner with districts to implement research-backed interventions for students who need the most support. Our Professional Learning Community model provides educators the tools and training to deliver Seeing Stars® and Visualizing and Verbalizing® programs effectively.

Since the early 2000s, Lindamood-Bell School Partnerships have included:

• 85,000 teachers trained in sensory-cognitive instruction
• 135 school systems with comprehensive school partnerships
• 68,000 students received intensive intervention for reading disabilities
• Educators from all 50 US States and 75 countries globally

Real Results from School Partnerships:

• In a large urban district, students receiving Seeing Stars® instruction improved their word attack skills by an average of 21 percentile points in six weeks. 
• An 11-year comprehensive district reform effort in a large urban district in Colorado showed that the district improved 26 percentage points above the average of comparison schools in reading proficiency. The study concluded that the district  “went ‘by the book’ in producing large-scale reform with much success.”
• A School Improvement Initiative supported by the Colorado Department of Education resulted in one of the lowest-performing schools in the state, making the largest increase in reading achievement. Over 4 years, reading proficiency improved from 31% of students to 70%, while other low-performing schools in the cohort only increased from 43% to 53%.  
• A dyslexia-mandated initiative where 518 students with dyslexia significantly improved their reading skills. In a comparison of special education rates, 384 students were exited out of special education during the intervention period, compared to 220 students prior to the intervention over the same period of time.   

We are currently approved in 11 states as a Science of Reading or Professional Development Provider. Our workshops, on-site coaching, and customized professional development empower districts to sustain and scale these interventions for lasting impact.

Personalized Learning: Lindamood-Bell Learning Centers and Lindamood-Bell Academy

Lindamood-Bell Learning Centers provide intensive, one-on-one instruction tailored to individual learning needs for parents seeking solutions for their child’s reading struggles. Our evidence-based approach leads to rapid and lasting improvements in reading, comprehension, and spelling.

For students who need a full-time alternative, Lindamood-Bell Academy offers an accredited private school designed for students with diverse learning needs, including dyslexia and ADHD. Our Academy provides:

• Individualized instruction based on a student’s unique learning profile
• Flexible scheduling options, including virtual and in-person learning
• Accredited curriculum aligned with state standards

The Lindamood-Bell Difference: A Proven Path to Reading Success

In light of the recent NAEP findings, addressing the root causes of reading struggles is more critical than ever. Whether through our Learning Centers, Academy, or School Partnerships, Lindamood-Bell is the proven solution for transforming literacy outcomes at every level.

Parents and educators looking for an evidence-based approach that yields real, measurable results can trust Lindamood-Bell to help students unlock their potential and achieve reading success.

For more information, visit Lindamood-Bell.com.