Orton-Gillingham Explained: The Gold Standard for Dyslexia

In the world of dyslexia intervention, no name carries more weight than Orton-Gillingham. It is widely considered the “gold standard,” the foundational approach upon which most effective, evidence-based reading programs are built. But what is it, and what makes it so special?

It’s important to understand that Orton-Gillingham (O-G) is not a specific curriculum or program. You can’t buy an “Orton-Gillingham in a box.” It is a highly structured and powerful instructional approach that has been refined for almost 100 years.

A Brief History

The approach is named after its pioneers. Dr. Samuel Torrey Orton, a neuropsychiatrist, was one of the first to identify the neurological basis of dyslexia in the 1920s. He recognized that these students needed a different kind of instruction. Anna Gillingham, a gifted educator and psychologist, worked with Dr. Orton to develop a systematic way to teach these students the structure of the English language.

Together, they created a method that was unlike anything being used in schools at the time. It was a groundbreaking approach that directly addressed the underlying challenges of dyslexia.

What Makes the O-G Approach So Effective?

The Orton-Gillingham approach is the classic implementation of Structured Literacy. It is successful because it is:

• Individualized: O-G is always taught one-on-one or in a very small group. It is tailored to the specific needs of the individual student.
• Multisensory: As a core principle, O-G uses auditory, visual, and kinesthetic-tactile pathways simultaneously to help students make connections and store information in their long-term memory.
• Systematic and Sequential: It teaches the structure of language in a logical, step-by-step manner, starting with the simplest sounds and concepts and building from there.
• Diagnostic and Prescriptive: The instructor is constantly monitoring the student’s progress and adapting the lesson to their needs. The student does not move on to the next skill until they have mastered the current one.
• Cognitively-Based: The O-G approach is not just about memorizing words. It’s about teaching students to understand the “why” behind reading and spelling. It teaches them the rules and patterns of the language so they can become independent decoders.

O-G in Practice: Programs and Tutors

While the O-G approach itself is not a program, many highly effective, evidence-based reading programs are based on its principles. These are often called “O-G based programs.” Some of the most well-known include:

• The Wilson Reading System®
• The Barton Reading & Spelling System®
• Orton-Gillingham Academy curriculum

When you are looking for a tutor or an intervention for your child, one of the most important questions you can ask is, “Are you certified in an Orton-Gillingham based approach?” A qualified O-G instructor has undergone intensive, rigorous training and a supervised practicum.

The O-G Difference

For a child with dyslexia, experiencing O-G instruction for the first time can be a revelation. For perhaps the first time in their lives, the code of reading begins to make sense. The explicit, systematic, and multisensory nature of the instruction provides them with the structure and the tools they need to succeed.

When you advocate for your child, you are advocating for their right to receive instruction that works. Understanding what the “gold standard” looks like is a critical step in ensuring they get it. Insisting on an Orton-Gillingham based approach is insisting on a method that is backed by science and has a long, proven history of success.

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Related reading:

• What is Structured Literacy? A Parent's Guide
• How to Know If Your School’s Reading Program is Evidence-Based
• A Parent's Guide to Understanding Dyslexia