For private or small-group remediation, look for a therapist or tutor with training and experience in evidence-based approaches such as Orton-Gillingham, Slingerland or Wilson.  Visit the Referrals page for resources related to locating individual tutors.

 

International Dyslexia Association: Evaluating education professionals

PDF article by expert Nancy Cushen White that includes what to look for and specific questions to ask

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The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) accredits educator training programs that align with its standards for literacy instruction.  Note that this lists accredited training programs, not individual instructors. 

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Independent schools specializing in dyslexia and language-based learning differences provide effective literacy instruction as part of their curriculum.  An affiliation of such schools named the Independent Schools Network provides a current, searchable list of schools specializing in learning differences across the country.

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In public schools, reading instruction programs can vary widely.  Talk with your child’s teachers about how literacy skills are taught, what type of training they received and whether these align with current best practices.  If they do not meet the criteria of evidence-based instruction in terms of content and methods, welcome to the world of advocacy.

 

The What Works Clearinghouse

This database provides a starting point for evaluating literacy programs by rating them based on published studies; however Dr. Sally Shaywitz of the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity urges caution with WWC recommendations as some rely on inadequate or outdated studies and subjective decisions*.

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* Shaywitz, S. E., & Shaywitz, J. Overcoming Dyslexia, Second Edition. New York: Vintage Books, 2020, p. 205.