FAQs

Five Keys to Success

  • Our programs are based on a theory of cognition

    We believe, passionately, that all children and adults can be taught to read and comprehend. We believe that sensory-cognitive factors are the first dominoes in language and literacy skills. We believe that imagery is the primary sensory-cognitive domino in language and literacy development.

    Based on a theory of cognition known as Dual Coding Theory (DCT), our programs explicitly and systematically develop the sensory input of imagery. This sensory factor underlies oral and written language and must be developed for students to be independent in their own learning process.

  • Our success with students with learning disabilities

    Our programs are used successfully with students who have significant learning challenges and disabilities, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), ADD/ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

  • Students of all ages benefit

    The programs are used for students pre-kindergarten through adult. They are highly effective in developing and enhancing literacy and math skills, or as resources for remediation. Even for older students and adults who have struggled, it's not too late to change the learning process.

  • Our programs differ from traditional strategies or tutoring

    Unlike common strategies used to address learning styles or learning differences, our methods are based on developing the underlying sensory factors for language, literacy, and math proficiency. The programs target the underlying weakness and explicitly stimulate those skills all students need to be successful academically.

  • Our programs are supported by extensive evidence

    Our programs have been independently peer-reviewed in over 25 educational and scientific journals. Additionally, since 1986, our own individual and school-based studies include results on standardized assessments of literacy and math for tens of thousands of students. Click here to see our research, results, and case studies .

    See Research & Results 

Learn more about the imagery-language connection to literacy and math

For Educators

  • Our programs and materials are used in schools, learning academies, and resource centers around the world. The programs include best practices for literacy and math instruction, and are often a missing piece in teachers' instructional toolkits.

  • Meeting the needs of diverse students

    You can use these programs effectively with diverse students, including students with disabilities, English learners, at-risk students, and economically-disadvantaged populations.

  • Lindamood-Bell Learning Programs

    Professional development

    You want to deliver high quality instruction based on best practices. To ensure this, it is highly recommended that you attend a Lindamood-Bell® Workshop for each program you use.

    Find a location or register for a workshop 

  • Diagnostic assessments and progress monitoring

    Gander Publishing offers a comprehensive set of assessments to diagnose learning needs and differentiate instruction. These standardized tests are critical for customizing a learning plan and implementing the appropriate program(s). Assessments are also used to measure progress and report student gains.

    See assessments 
  • Bristol, TN sign

    Response to intervention (RTI)

    Schools implement our programs within a three-tiered instructional model. Classroom application (Tier 1) includes direct instruction in reading, comprehension, and math skills. Targeted and intensive intervention is provided in Tier 2 and Tier 3 instruction, differentiated based on students' needs. Check out our video of a comprehensive RTI implementation in Bristol, TN.

    Watch video  
  • Sensory-Cognitive Instruction and the Common Core - A new Opportunity for all students

    Common Core state standards

    Our programs develop the skills and habits students need to meet the expectations under the Common Core in English/Language Arts and Math. For struggling students and students with special needs, the programs offer the supports and scaffolding needed to meet rigorous standards.

    Download Common Core Whitepaper 
  • Haskin Elementary School

    School improvement and turnaround

    Our programs can be implemented to improve low-performing schools. Schools benefit from utilizing our unique methodologies and systematic instructional approach. Our supplemental materials support at-risk and struggling students to help close the achievement gap. Check out our video to see how the programs were used to help turn around a low-performing Title I school.

    Watch Haskin Elementary Video 

For Parents

  • Parents use our programs to jump-start literacy and math skills, provide follow-up support for struggling students, or deliver homeschooling services.

    Get the best results for your child

    In many cases instruction should be provided by the specialists who developed the programs, especially for students with significant learning challenges. Contact a Lindamood-Bell® Learning Center to discuss your needs and customize a learning plan for your child. Lindamood-Bell is the only official provider endorsed by the authors of these programs and offers the highest level of instructional quality and fidelity. 

    Training for parents

    You don't have to be a teacher to learn and implement the programs. Parents often attend Lindamood-Bell Workshops and use the programs directly with their children to develop new skills, or to provide additional support following student instruction at a Lindamood-Bell Learning Center.

    Choosing the right program

    Many people get referrals from others, and sometimes they may not be entirely accurate or complete. lease contact us directly to speak with our program specialists and learn which program(s) are right for you. Or you can schedule a Learning Evaluation at a Lindamood-Bell Learning Center to determine your child's learning profile and needs.

    Follow-up resources

    You can help improve reading and comprehension skills with graded fluency readers and workbooks. These materials are ideal for students who have received instruction in the programs. There are also many other specialized resources designed for practice. Click on any program page to see a list of recommended supplemental materials.

    Programs for homeschool curricula

    Our programs are often integrated with a full home-school curriculum. They can be used for English Language Arts instruction, comprehension, writing, and math. The strategies can also be applied to all subject areas, such as science and social studies.

FAQ

  • Which programs should I use?

    This depends on the needs of the student(s) you are working with. Some students need instruction in only reading skills, comprehension skills, or math. Others may need intervention in multiple areas. You should review diagnostic assessments and achievement data to determine your students' strengths and weaknesses, or contact us directly to discuss your specific needs. Our programs have been used effectively with students with all levels of learning abilities. We are confident we have resources appropriate for your needs.

  • What materials do I need to get started?

    Each program has an instructor's kit (with instructor's manual) that includes all the materials needed to deliver each step. Some of the programs also have supplemental materials, such as graded readers and workbooks, which provide practice opportunities and exercises for skill development.

  • Can I just get the program manual rather than the whole kit?

    The program manual is available separately and is a great resource to learn the program methodology and instructional steps. However, to use the program effectively with students, we highly recommend utilizing the complete kit to ensure fidelity at each step.

  • Can I use the program(s) without receiving training?

    While it is not a requirement to be trained in the program, we highly recommend taking a Lindamood-Bell Workshop to prepare you to deliver high quality instruction. Our program steps and materials are designed to be used by those who have been trained. Proper training will help you get the results you need with your students. Gander also carries professional development DVDs for select programs, intended to supplement your training and allow you to review program steps following a workshop.

  • What assessment(s) should I use?

    Effective instruction starts with accurate and up-to-date assessments. This will allow you to differentiate instruction for every student. Choose the assessment(s) that best match your student's learning profile, including age level and primary area(s) of concern. Or contact us for recommendations.

    Browse Assessments 

  • How are materials leveled or graded?

    Our Imagine That! readers, Visualizing and Verbalizing® Workbooks, Visualizing and Verbalizing Stories, and Seeing Stars® Decoding Workbooks have been leveled using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level readability test and other text measuring scales and tests. These are commonly used tools for reading materials and use the core measures of word length and sentence length.

  • How do I determine which grade level of readers or workbooks to start with?

    The right set of materials depends on the reading and/or comprehension level of your student, as well as the primary area(s) you are targeting. In some cases, you may need to start below your student's actual grade level and use a range of graded readers to practice reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension skills. Contact us to discuss your specific needs.