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

Feb 24, 2025
 
 

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.

Right now families can save 10% on live-online instruction. Click here to get more information.

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.

Connect with us
🌟 Teacher Appreciation Month! 🌟
 We're celebrating educators with exclusive savings!
📘 Get $100 off any Lindamood-Bell workshop now through summer!
 Use code THANKYOU100 at checkout.
👥 Planning for your team?
 Book an in-service workshop and get $175 off per registrant (minimum 10 participants).
Offer ends May 31 — don’t miss out! Link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
📚 Don’t let summer break lead to learning loss!
 Our personalized tutoring in reading and math helps students catch up, get ahead, and return to school with confidence.
👉 Read how our Summer Program can make a difference—link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
At Lindamood-Bell, we believe in the potential of every student, including those with autism. Our unique sensory-cognitive approach develops the foundational skills necessary for success in reading, comprehension, and math.
Because every learner has their own strengths and challenges, we personalize instruction to meet each student’s needs and help them thrive.
Our latest blog explores how autism can affect learning and how the right support can make a lasting impact.
🔗 Read more at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
☀️ Summer is the Perfect Time for Learning!
 Help your child build confidence and strong skills with personalized, one-on-one instruction at Lindamood-Bell.

Whether it’s reading, comprehension, or math, we’ll create a plan tailored to your child’s unique needs—and you can see measurable progress in just a few weeks!

🎉 Act now to receive 10% off the first week of summer instruction!

🔗 Get started at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Help Students Shine This Summer - We’re Hiring Educational Clinicians/Tutors!

We’re looking for enthusiastic, positive individuals with strong communication skills and a passion for helping students succeed.
✨ Paid training provided!
Apply now—link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Is your child struggling in school? We can help.
At Lindamood-Bell, our summer instruction can transform reading, comprehension, or math skills in just a few weeks. Choose in-person or live online learning and head into the new school year with stronger skills and renewed confidence.
⏳ Enroll now—summer spots are filling quickly! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Make a Difference This Summer: Join Our Team as an Educational Clinician/Tutor!
We’re hiring enthusiastic, positive individuals with strong communication skills and a passion for helping students succeed. 
✨ Paid training included!
Apply now—link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Lindamood-Bell summer learning can change your child’s life! Our evidence-based instruction improves Reading, Comprehension, and Math in just a few weeks. 
⏳Enroll now for special savings on your first week of summer learning. Hurry, spots are filling fast! 
Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Make a Meaningful Impact This Summer!
Our learning centers are hiring enthusiastic, positive individuals with strong communication skills and a passion for helping students succeed. Join us as an Educational Clinician/Tutor and be part of something truly rewarding.
✨ Paid training provided!
Apply now. Link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
📢 Attention Educators! Save 20% on In-Person Workshops in San Luis Obispo, CA this June! 🌞
💡 Lindamood-Bell workshops offer evidence-based programs to support students struggling with reading and math, and those diagnosed with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Ideal for SPED staff, SLPs, MTSS interventionists, paraprofessionals, and tutors.
Use code JOINSLO25 at checkout to save 20%.
 👉 Spaces are limited—sign up today! Link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Summer at Lindamood-Bell can be life-changing for your child!
In just a few weeks, our evidence-based instruction can make a lasting impact in Reading, Comprehension, or Math.
⏳ Enroll now to save on your first week of summer learning!
Spots are filling fast—don’t miss out!
Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🎧 New Podcast Episode: A Parent Perspective on Autism & Reading Challenges 🌟
Hear how Lindamood-Bell’s evidence-based approach helped a child with autism overcome reading struggles and the effects of language delays, boosting confidence and skills.
This inspiring story offers hope for families facing similar challenges.
👉 Listen now at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🌟 Make a difference this summer!
Lindamood-Bell is hiring! We’re looking for motivated, enthusiastic individuals with strong communication skills and a desire to help students thrive.
Join us as an Educational Clinician/Tutor and be part of something truly rewarding. Paid training provided!
📍Explore openings and apply now. Link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Why do so many literacy reforms fall short—and what can be done differently?

In our recent webinar, Paul Worthington, Director of Research and Development at Lindamood-Bell, explains what’s been missing from past initiatives and how our evidence-based approach is helping close the gap for students across the country.

🎥 Watch the full webinar: “Why Literacy Reform Keeps Failing and What Actually Works”
 🔗 Link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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