Frequently Asked Questions

This curriculum is designed for students with the deepest barriers to literacy acquisition, those identified as having dyslexia and/or dysgraphia. However, what works for the most impacted students, also works for those less impacted. Any child struggling with reading, spelling, or written expression will benefit from this program.

The short answer: Systematic Spelling works for every age! Students accepted into the program will be grouped according to age/grade and skill level. 

The long answer: Alison carved out a niche and love for middle school students in her local community. In her experience, she found many students are not identified as struggling until they're in 4th, 5th, 6th grade and beyond. Most of these students found ways to compensate for their reading difficulties by then, but their greatest dyslexic struggles at that age were in spelling and written expression. Alison also learned through experience that most literacy interventions focus so heavily on reading skills, that many students complete those programs but are still left with huge holes in their ability to spell accurately. Coupled with that, many dyslexic students require explicit instruction in written expression, beginning at the sentence level and includes lots of instruction and practice in the semantics, syntax, and pragmatics of written language. Without this instruction in spelling and written expression at a foundational and structural level, taught in a systematic way that builds over time, students are often left feeling insecure in their ability to express themselves in writing. Their writing is often described by parents as "watered down" or not showing the true depth and breadth of their knowledge and understanding. Alison has aimed to remediate this problem by creating and teaching Systematic Spelling that leads to more confidence and improvement in academic outcomes. 

Dyslexia and ADHD go hand-in-hand. The comorbidity of the two exist at exponentially high rates, up to 50%! So, Alison is well-versed in how to teach students with dyslexia, ADHD, or both. Lessons move from one activity to another quickly so students are never bored or "checked out".  Systematic Spelling lends itself easily to fully engaged students even in a virtual classroom. 

We offer small-group online tutoring for dyslexic students and/or those that are struggling with reading, spelling, and written composition. Students meet 2x a week on Zoom, are supplied with activities for independent practice throughout the week, and "office hours" for drop in sessions and individualized attention and support. 

Currently, Systematic Spelling tutoring groups are only available in the United States. However, we are planning to expand to other countries in the future.

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