post
BLOG AND NEWS

Research Roundup | Students with Dyslexia

Oct 27, 2017
 
 

 

“We are committed to the ongoing analysis of our program efficacy and have the research to prove it.” 

-Nanci Bell, co-founder

 

Lindamood-Bell has been involved with research for over 30 years. We actively take part in peer-reviewed studies of our programs and instruction and monitor student results at our learning centers and school partnerships to ensure we maintain our exceptional standard of quality.  We have partnered with such institutions as Georgetown University, MIT, and Wake Forest University to conduct neurological and behavioral research.

 

The research consistently proves that Lindamood-Bell instruction changes the brain functions underlying language and literacy skills. These brain functions continue to improve after our instruction has ended.

 

We believe all individuals can be taught to read to their potential—including those who have a previous diagnosis of dyslexia. Numerous studies examining the effectiveness of our instruction with dyslexic students have been conducted;  we have summarized and included links to several, below.

 

Visit our Research & Development site for more information, studies, and references.

 

Summary of Behavioral & Neurological Research—Dyslexia

Gray Matter Volume Changes Following Reading Intervention in Dyslexic Children

Researchers at Wake Forest University and the Child Study Center at Georgetown University published conclusions about the effects of Lindamood-Bell instruction on the brain activity and reading ability of dyslexic students. This research noted significant improvements in reading associated with gray matter volume increases following Seeing Stars instruction with dyslexic students—and the neurological changes held or increased after the intervention. View the results and download the study here.

 

Neural Changes Following Remediation in Adult Developmental Dyslexia

In this study, a group of adult dyslexics received eight weeks of Lindamood-Bell instruction. Before and after instruction, subjects were administered basic reading skills assessments and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). A similar group of adult dyslexics went through the same procedures but did not receive Lindamood-Bell instruction. Lindamood-Bell subjects received an average of 112 hours of Lindamood-Bell instruction to develop reading skills. Assessments and fMRIs were administered by independent researchers. View the results and download the study here.

 

Study Uses fMRI to Show Positive Effects of Seeing Stars Instruction

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers conducted a fMRI study of the effect of Seeing Stars instruction on beginning readers at-risk for reading difficulties. The students (and a matched control group) received fMRI scans to measure brain activity before and after instruction; they were also administered tests of reading ability. After 6 weeks of instruction, the Seeing Stars students outperformed the control group. The findings were published in the Journal of Learning Disabilities. Click here to view the research.

 

 

Deficits Associated with Dyslexia Become Normal Following Intensive Intervention

Researchers at the Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas, Houston Health Science Center, conducted a neurological study measuring changes in the brains of dyslexic students upon successful completion of intensive intervention using Lindamood-Bell programs. Their findings suggested that the “deficit in functional brain organization underlying dyslexia” can become normal when altered by intensive intervention. Read more and access the full article here.

 

Discovering How Reading Intervention Changes the Brains of Children With Dyslexia

The University of Washington’s Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences is conducting a study that examines how the brains of students with dyslexia respond to intensive intervention (Seeing Stars instruction). Lead investigator Jason D. Yeatman, Ph. D notes, “One thing I can say definitively is that the intensive reading intervention program changes the underlying structure of the brain. That’s something that we’re clearly seeing.”

 

We look forward to the publication of their research. Read more and download a description of the study, published by the Center on Human Development and Disability at the University of Washington here.

 

Learning Center ResultsStudents With Dyslexia

As part of our effort to maintain an exceptional standard of quality, we continually monitor student learning results. At Lindamood-Bell Learning Centers, students receive individualized instruction, using one or more of our research-validated programs. The Seeing Stars program develops skills needed for phonological processing and orthographic processing in reading and spelling.  Seeing Stars instruction can address the needs of students who have been previously diagnosed with dyslexia.

 

The following shows reading performance, pre- and post-instruction, of all students who self-reported as having a diagnosis of dyslexia.

 

Students With Dyslexia Who Received Decoding Instruction

Lindamood-Bell Learning Center Instruction Program: Seeing Stars

 

Years: 2008-2016

Number of Students: 1,368

Average Age: 10

Average Hours of Instruction:  121

 

On average, students with Dyslexia who received Seeing Stars instruction achieved significant improvements in reading. They made large (significant) standard score changes on nearly all measures. The 30-point percentile increase in word attack put these students well within the normal range (25th–75th percentile). The large average standard score change in word recognition should be noted as students now performed within the normal range on this measure as well. Their pre- to posttest results were statistically significant on all measures.

 

Getting Help

Over the course of 30 years, Lindamood-Bell has worked with thousands of individuals. Sitting with a child or an adult who struggles to read a word provides unique insight into the learning process. Our success with students is due to our unique approach—we accurately assess individual needs and provide research-validated, sensory-cognitive instruction in a safe, positive, environment. Find your learning center here.

 

Connect with us
Unlock your child’s potential with Lindamood-Bell Academy!

Our accredited K–12 private school goes beyond academics by strengthening each student’s underlying learning ability, while delivering a full curriculum.

Enrollment is now open for the upcoming school year — save 20% on one month of tuition!
Contact us today to learn more and get started! Tap the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Join us for a special webinar featuring Lindamood-Bell Co-founder Nanci Bell!

📅 Wednesday, August 6, 2025
 🕚 11 a.m. PDT | 2 p.m. EDT | 7 p.m. BST
Discover how our school partnerships change student achievement through a revolutionary approach to instruction and district collaboration. This webinar will explore the sensory-cognitive skills that make reading possible and how Lindamood-Bell’s evidence-based model leads to measurable gains, especially in underperforming schools.

Register now to save your spot! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🍂 Attention Educators! Our Fall Workshop Schedule is here!
Join our live online workshops grounded in the cognitive science of learning and aligned with the science of reading and structured literacy.
Discover evidence-based programs to help struggling students, including those with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism.
Gain practical strategies for teaching reading, comprehension, and math that you can use right away.
Reserve your spot today! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸 
We hope your 4th of July is filled with friends, family, and loved ones—enjoy a safe celebration!
🎧 New Podcast Episode! 🎧
In this special episode of Lindamood-Bell Radio, co-founder Nanci Bell reflects on 40 years of transforming learning and literacy, sharing powerful stories and insights from decades of student success.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just curious about our evidence-based approach, this conversation will inspire you.
Listen to Celebrating 40 Years of Learning Transformation with Nanci Bell. 
Tap the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🎉 Lindamood-Bell Academy Week starts July 14! 🎉

Celebrate 10 years of Lindamood-Bell Academy, the only school that addresses a student’s underlying learning ability and offers a full curriculum!

📅 Experience it firsthand. Join us July 14–18 for Academy Week at our Learning Centers.

✅ Special offer: Enroll by August 18, 2025, for the next school year and get 20% off a month of tuition!

🔗 Get details at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Another life changed—meet Cyrus! 💫
Reading was a struggle, and school felt overwhelming. His family tried other programs, but nothing worked—until they found Lindamood-Bell.
After a summer of personalized instruction, Cyrus made incredible progress. He’s now reading above grade level and enjoying school again! 📚💪
That’s the difference our evidence-based approach can make.
Want the same for your child?
 ☀️ Summer spots are filling fast—learn more at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Help your child overcome reading challenges with proven support.
At Lindamood-Bell, we provide personalized, evidence-based instruction that targets the root causes of reading difficulties.
From decoding struggles to comprehension gaps and beyond, our latest blog explains the signs to watch for and how our approach can help your child succeed.
📖 New on the blog: Support for Dyslexia and Other Reading Disorders
🔗 Read now at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🎉 Our Special 40th Anniversary Webinar is now available on demand! 🎥
Join Lindamood-Bell Co-founder Nanci Bell as she shares powerful stories and key insights from 40 years of student success.
Discover how our unique, evidence-based approach has helped thousands overcome learning challenges and unlock their potential.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or student, this inspiring session is one you won’t want to miss.
 👉 Watch now! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🌟 Teacher Appreciation Month Continues! 🌟
We're celebrating educators with exclusive savings EXTENDED THROUGH JUNE 30!

📘 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).
Don't miss out. These offers are available through June 30. Get info and register now. Link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
📚 Send your child back to school with stronger skills and new confidence!

Lindamood-Bell Summer Instruction helps kids of all ages catch up or get ahead in:
 ✅ Reading
 ✅ Comprehension
 ✅ Math
Live online or in person. Fun, effective, evidence-based instruction.
Proven results for students with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and more

Enroll by June 13 to get 10% off the first week (minimum applies).
Instruction must be completed by August 22. Hurry, Spots are filling fast!

Tap the link in our bio to learn more and get started, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Not all online schools are created equal. 🎓✨
From live instruction and personalized learning to community and flexibility, here’s what to look for when choosing the right fit for your child.
📖 New on the blog: What to Consider in an Online School
 🔗 Read now at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🎉 Join us for a special free webinar celebrating 40 years of student success with Lindamood-Bell Co-founder Nanci Bell!
📅 Wednesday, June 11, 2025
 🕙 10 AM PT | 1 PM ET | 6 PM BST
📍This Zoom event will also stream live on Facebook
Get inspired and learn how our unique, evidence-based approach has transformed lives for four decades.
👉 Register now at the link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Make a Difference 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.
Request Information

Request Information

When you complete our form, we'll send you to our digital information packet and reach out to you shortly.
You may also call us at

* required

Schedule a Learning
Ability Evaluation

Please fill out the form and we will be in touch to schedule an evaluation.

* required