Therapeutic Services
The Orton-Gillingham Approach:
A Structured Path to Literacy
Orton-Gillingham (OG) is a time-tested method for teaching reading, writing, and spelling - especially effective for students with dyslexia and other learning differences. This approach helps students become confident, independent readers and writers.
Key Elements:
- Personalized & Responsive: Instruction is tailored daily to each student’s progress.
- Direct & Explicit: Concepts are clearly and intentionally taught, with continuous teacher-student interaction.
- Language-Based: Teachers are trained in all aspects of language, from phonics to grammar, supporting reading comprehension and written expression.
- Multisensory: Lessons integrate sight, sound, touch, and movement to strengthen brain connections and improve memory.
- Systematic & Sequential: Skills build logically from basic to advanced, with regular review to reinforce learning.
- Synthetic & Analytic: Students learn both how to build words (synthetic) and break them down (analytic), gaining a full understanding of language structure.
Reading Therapy at Brighton
Our reading therapy program provides focused support for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. This structured, personalized approach gives students the tools and confidence to become successful readers.
Key Features:
- Daily Instruction: 53 minutes of targeted reading therapy, five days a week.
- Small Groups: 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio for personalized attention.
- Expert Educators: Led by CALPs, CALTs, and trained dyslexia teachers—many cross-trained in multiple evidence-based approaches.
- Proven Programs: We use four OG-based programs—Sequential English Education, The Association Method, Alphabetic Phonics, and Take Flight—customized to student needs.
- Comprehensive Skill Coverage: Instruction addresses phonemic awareness, sound-symbol association, syllable rules, morphology, syntax, semantics, handwriting, and cognitive skills like working memory and auditory processing.
- Multisensory Instruction: Engaging visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile pathways to boost retention and understanding.
- Individualized Support: Teaching is continuously adapted based on student progress toward mastery.
Math Instruction at Brighton
Just like our literacy programs, Brighton’s math instruction is designed for students with language-based learning differences. We use a structured, multisensory, and explicit approach aligned with Orton-Gillingham principles. This method helps students develop strong math skills and confidence in their abilities.
Key Features:
- Step-by-Step Instruction: Math is taught in a logical sequence, from foundational skills to complex problem-solving.
- Multisensory Teaching: Visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile methods help students understand and retain concepts.
- Clear, Direct Teaching: Teachers provide explicit instruction and support for each concept.
- Tailored Support: Lessons are adjusted to meet individual learning needs.
- Consistent Instructional Style: We use the same structured, multisensory approach across all subjects, creating a cohesive learning environment.
Assessment & Growth Tracking
To support student success, all Brighton students take the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT) each spring. This one-on-one assessment measures skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and math. Results help track each student’s academic growth and assist in determining group placements for the next school year.
Message from the Director of
Therapies and Testing
We’re so glad you’ve found The Brighton School and are exploring what makes our program distinct. At the heart of what we do is a therapeutic approach specifically designed to support students with language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia.
Our instruction is rooted in the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach, a structured and comprehensive method proven effective for students who learn differently. This approach uses multisensory, explicit, and direct instruction—not only in reading but across all academic subjects, including math—ensuring consistency and effectiveness throughout the school day.
Our faculty includes trained dyslexia teachers, Certified Academic Language Practitioners (CALPs), and Certified Academic Language Therapists (CALTs), all of whom are experts in therapeutic education. Their expertise allows us to embed intervention strategies into every subject and classroom experience.
Each student benefits from individualized instruction, guided by a personalized service plan based on a psycho-educational evaluation. Using diagnostic and prescriptive teaching, we regularly monitor progress and adjust instruction to meet each student’s needs—helping them grow in confidence and reach their full potential.
I welcome the opportunity to share more information about our therapeutic programs. Please contact me at thastings@thebrightonschool.org or at 225-291-2524 Ext. 507.
Theresa Hastings
Director of Therapies and Testing
Teaching students the way they learn
We are a school that is dedicated to students who have dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. We believe that ALL students can learn. It’s a matter of how the instruction is given and the support that is available to push students to their potential.