- What is structured literacy?
- Structured literacy is an explicit, systematic, cumulative, multisensory, and diagnostic approach to teaching reading and spelling, grounded in the Science of Reading. Orton-Gillingham, Barton, Wilson, and Lindamood-Bell are all structured-literacy programs.
- Is structured literacy the same as Orton-Gillingham?
- Not exactly. Orton-Gillingham is the original structured-literacy methodology; structured literacy is the broader category that also includes Barton, Wilson, Lindamood-Bell, EBLI, and other Science-of-Reading programs built on the same principles.
- Does Arizona ESA pay for structured literacy tutoring?
- Yes. Tutoring is an approved ESA expense and structured-literacy intervention qualifies, as does curriculum for parent-led instruction. Individual tutors need a high school diploma minimum; businesses need accreditation or an instructor attestation. Payment runs through ClassWallet.
- Does my child need a dyslexia diagnosis first?
- No. A trained practitioner can screen for structured-literacy needs and start intervention without a formal diagnosis. A diagnosis helps with ESA documentation, accommodations, and future SAT/ACT testing.
- How long does structured literacy take to work?
- Measurable decoding and spelling gains typically show in 8–12 weeks with two to three sessions per week. Full remediation of a documented dyslexia case usually takes 1–3 years of consistent instruction.
- Can I teach structured literacy myself?
- Yes, with a scripted program. Barton, All About Reading, and Logic of English are designed for parent delivery and require no certification. For a documented dyslexia diagnosis, most families get better results with a trained practitioner for at least the first year.
- Does online structured literacy work?
- Yes. Barton, Wilson, and most OG practitioners run strong virtual sessions with digital tile boards. For families in Yuma, Prescott, Flagstaff, Show Low, or the White Mountains, a certified online tutor beats an uncertified local one.