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BLOG AND NEWS

Helping Schools Close the Achievement Gap

May 18, 2016
 
 

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Lindamood-Bell’s® research-validated programs address the imagery-language connection that is a silent partner to cognition and literacy, and is often the missing piece in helping students close the achievement gap.

Our unique programs can help diverse groups of students learn to read, comprehend, and compute to their potential, including students with minor to severe learning challenges and English Language Learners.

We have created school implementation and professional development options designed to maximize student achievement, including Lindamood-Bell Learning Center on Campus (LCOC).

A Lindamood-Bell LCOC creates an instant literacy center, bringing the specialized environment and instruction of our Learning Centers to your school, and starts meeting your students’ needs on day one.

Check out examples of how schools are transforming the lives of their students with a Lindamood-Bell Learning Center on Campus:

Reading Gains for Targeted Students in a Large Urban District

An elementary school located in a large, urban district on the East Coast serves a large percentage of students who are at-risk of reading failure. During the 2012–13 school year, this school implemented Lindamood-Bell instruction to address the specific needs of this student population. Fourteen students received an average of 104 hours of Seeing Stars® instruction to develop symbol imagery for reading. Lindamood-Bell staff delivered instruction. Student gains were measured with a battery of reading assessments.

Results

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The students who received Seeing Stars instruction achieved significant improvements in reading. They made large standard score changes on all measures. Additionally, the 25-point percentile increase in phonemic awareness put these students well within the normal range (25th–75th percentile). Their pre- to posttest results were statistically significant on all measures.

Elementary School Provides Intervention to its Neediest Learners

A private elementary school located in the South implemented Lindamood-Bell instruction during the 2013-14 school year. Eighteen students received an average of 97 hours of primarily Seeing Stars instruction to develop symbol imagery for reading. Instruction was delivered by Lindamood-Bell staff. Student gains were measured with a battery of reading assessments.

 

Results

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On average, Seeing Stars students achieved significant improvements in reading. They made large standard score changes on all measures. Additionally, the 18-point percentile increase in comprehension put these students within the normal range (25th-75th percentile). Their pre- to posttest results were statistically significant on all measures.

Students At-Risk for Reading Failure Receive Help at School

An elementary school located in a large, urban district on the East Coast serves a large percentage of students who are at-risk of reading failure. During the 2013-14 school year, this school implemented Lindamood-Bell instruction to address the specific needs of this student population. Twelve students received an average of 197 hours of primarily Seeing Stars instruction to develop symbol imagery for reading. Instruction was delivered by Lindamood-Bell staff. Student gains were measured with two reading assessments.

Results

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On average, Seeing Stars students achieved significant improvements in reading. They made large standard score changes on both measures. Additionally, the 65-point percentile increase in word recognition put these students above the normal range (25th-75th percentile). Their pre- to posttest results were statistically significant on both measures.

 

The results for these students illustrate how Lindamood-Bell instruction in the Seeing Stars program can change learning, regardless of their previous struggle with language and literacy.

 

Learn more about these innovative partnerships, including how schools can bring genuine Lindamood-Bell Instruction to their campus here.

 

Click here to watch an inspirational video regarding the difference our LCOC is making in a large urban district.

 

Connect with us
We're proud to sponsor Everyone Reading Illinois' “Dynamics of Dyslexia” 2026 Fall Conference, November 4–5 in Naperville, IL!

Lindamood-Bell Learning Center Directors Stephanie Grady (Deerfield) and Taylor-Marie Funchion (Elmhurst) will present “The Missing Link in Literacy: Understanding the Imagery-Language Foundation” on Wednesday, November 4, from 3:10–4:30 PM.

Their session will explore the important role of imagery in reading, spelling, and comprehension, drawing on decades of instructional experience and scientific research. Attendees will learn about the sensory-cognitive processes underlying literacy and practical strategies to support students with dyslexia and persistent reading challenges.

We look forward to connecting with educators and professionals dedicated to helping students succeed!

Tap the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial, for more info!
🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

🧠 2011: Georgetown University researchers publish a study showing changes in the brains of children with dyslexia following reading intervention.

Our next milestone highlights research conducted by Georgetown University's Center for the Study of Learning in collaboration with Lindamood-Bell.

Published in the scientific journal NeuroImage, the study followed children with dyslexia who received eight weeks of instruction using the Seeing Stars® program.

Researchers found significant improvements in reading skills, along with measurable increases in gray matter volume in the brain. Follow-up testing eight weeks later showed that these gains were maintained.

These findings offered encouraging evidence that effective reading instruction can help children with dyslexia improve their reading skills while also supporting changes in the brain.

Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning!
🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

📖 Our next milestone takes us to 2010, when Nanci Bell published the Symbol Imagery (SI) Test.

This standardized assessment measures a student's ability to visualize the sounds and letters within words, an important skill for reading and spelling.

The SI Test helps educators identify and monitor skills that underlie word recognition, spelling, and reading fluency.

Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning!
🐱 Calling all cat lovers! Celebrate National Cat Day with a FREE reading resource for parents and teachers, courtesy of Gander Publishing!

This Imagine That! lesson packet features five cat-themed stories for grades 2–6, vocabulary practice, puzzles, and a coloring page!

Perfect for use with Visualizing and Verbalizing® or with any student who could benefit from extra comprehension practice.

Download your free packet - follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial!
🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

Our next milestone takes us to 2008, when Lindamood-Bell co-founder Nanci Bell was recognized by the California State Assembly as one of the state's Top 50 Women Business Leaders!

Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning.
#LindamoodBell40 #LindamoodBell
🎧 New Podcast Episode!

How can art help students share their stories and make a difference in their communities?

Muralist Kyle Holbrook joins Lindamood-Bell for Schools Director of Development Dave Kiyvyra to discuss the Moving Lives of Kids Community Mural Project and the power of art to bring people together.

Hear how students are using creativity to express themselves and contribute to their communities.

Listen and subscribe at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

📚 2006: What happens when an entire school district works to improve reading?

In 2006, researchers from Texas A&M University published a study in the American Educational Research Journal examining reading achievement in Colorado’s Pueblo School District 60, where Lindamood-Bell had been working with schools since 1997 to support students at risk of reading difficulties.

They examined reading scores for students in grades 3–5 over several years and found that schools using Lindamood-Bell instruction made significantly greater gains than schools across Colorado. Those gains increased over time, including in Title I schools.

It was encouraging to see these results, especially in a district where so many students needed additional reading support.

Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning.

Tap the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial,  to learn more about our work and research.
📣 FREE Halloween Download for Parents and Teachers, courtesy of Gander Publishing! 🎃
The Imagine That! Halloween lesson packet features four high-imagery stories written at a 2nd–5th-grade reading level.

👻 Enjoy stories about a giant pumpkin, a ghost, and even a rooster accused of being a witch!
🎃 Build reading comprehension with higher-order thinking questions.
🍬 Strengthen vocabulary skills with engaging activities.

Perfect for use with Visualizing and Verbalizing® or any student who could benefit from extra comprehension practice.
Download your free packet and bring some Halloween fun to reading! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

🧠 2004: Georgetown University researchers publish an important study on adult dyslexia and Lindamood-Bell instruction.

Led by Dr. Guinevere Eden and published in the scientific journal Neuron, the study used brain imaging to examine changes in adults with dyslexia following eight weeks of intensive Lindamood-Bell instruction.

Researchers found improvements in reading skills along with changes in brain activity, showing that the adult brain can continue to change and develop with reading instruction.

More than 20 years later, these findings continue to offer hope for adults who struggle with reading.

For more about our evidence-based reading instruction, follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.

Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning!
🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

Our next milestone takes us to 2002, when Lindamood-Bell reached another exciting first!

🇬🇧 2002: Our first international Learning Center opens in London, England.
The opening of our London Learning Center meant more children could benefit from individualized instruction to strengthen their reading and comprehension skills. It was another meaningful step in helping more students learn to their potential.

Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning.

Explore Lindamood-Bell at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🎙️ New Podcast Episode: Supporting At-Promise Students

In this episode, we’re joined by Khieem Jackson, Managing Director of Reaching At-Promise Students Association (RAPSA), for a thoughtful conversation about helping at-promise and opportunity youth thrive.
Together, we explore how the words we use to describe students can shape their experiences, and how literacy and learning can open doors to new opportunities beyond the classroom.

🎧 Listen and subscribe at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Lindamood-Bell will be at the International Dyslexia Association 2026 Annual Reading, Literacy & Learning Conference, November 12–14 in Las Vegas.

Join Paul Worthington, Director of Research and Development, for “ADHD and Dyslexia: Untangling the Comorbidity Conundrum,” which examines research on co-occurring ADHD, dyslexia, and language-processing difficulties, as well as implications for intervention.

📅 November 12–14
📍 Las Vegas + virtual attendance available

Learn more about our presentation and where to find us at the conference at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

📚 2000: Lindamood-Bell partners with juvenile justice schools in San Diego, California, for Project of Hope.

Through this partnership, Lindamood-Bell provided intensive reading and comprehension instruction to young people in the juvenile justice system.
Using the Seeing Stars® and Visualizing and Verbalizing® programs, Project of Hope helped students strengthen their reading and comprehension skills. An independent evaluation found significant gains, offering new hope and opportunities for their futures.

Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning. 

Explore Lindamood-Bell at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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