
Real-World Examples
Evidence Based Findings
Hancock County Schools (KY): Major Literacy Gains
After implementing structured literacy with Orton‑Gillingham elements, Hancock County Schools saw reading proficiency increase by more than 20%, compared with the average U.S. increase of about 2% per year. They also reported a 28% reduction in struggling readers and a 23% increase in proficient readers.
Grand Rapids (MN) District 318: Large Proficiency Growth
In District 318 after teacher training in Orton‑Gillingham methods, first‑grade reading proficiency rose 47%, and kindergarten proficiency reached 35% — significant improvements in early literacy outcomes tied to structured literacy instruction
3. Jefferson Elementary (Wyandotte, MI): Substantial Fall‑to‑Spring Growth
Students went from 56% reading proficiency in fall to 72% proficiency by the end of the school year after implementation of structured literacy practices and OG‑aligned teacher training.
4. Durango School District (CO): Kindergarten Jump of 39%
After training all K‑2 teachers in an Orton‑Gillingham/structured literacy approach, Durango School District reported kindergarten reading proficiency jumped by 39% in a single year.