Fundations Creator and Dyslexia Training Pioneer Barbara Wilson Receives National Recognition for Contribution to Literacy Education

Barbara Wilson was named as a Legacy Honoree by the International Dyslexia Association and received the Friend of Education Award from Drexel University

OXFORD, MASS. (December 10, 2024) – Barbara Wilson, Co-Founder of Wilson Language Training – a leading provider of evidence-based supplemental literacy curriculum – has received national recognition for her immense contributions to literacy instruction and teacher training for students with dyslexia. Barbara was named as an International Dyslexia Association (IDA) “Legacy Honoree” at their inaugural Legacy Gala in October, and received the “Friend of Education Award” from Drexel University’s School of Education at their Science of Reading Day in September.

As a part of the new Legacy Gala, the Legacy Honoree award is now the highest honor that IDA bestows, and was awarded to Barbara Wilson as one of the original developers of the Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS) that have set a new benchmark for excellence in reading instruction. The KPS, now central to legislation in numerous states, has been embraced by state education departments, school districts, teaching training programs and universities across the nation. Wilson Language Training has long been recognized as an Accredited Plus provider by IDA, and Barbara has been an ongoing contributor to IDA’s work including as co-editor of the organization’s most recent edition of Perspectives on Language and Literacy.

“Students with dyslexia CAN learn to read but this requires teachers who have both the knowledge and the skills to successfully teach them,” said Barbara Wilson. I love contributing to the Knowledge and Practice Standards for teacher preparation programs and I am thankful to IDA for their commitment to individuals with dyslexia.”

Barbara also received the Friend of Education Award from Drexel University’s School of Education for her pioneering work in the science of reading and her lifetime commitment to improving literacy among children and adults. Barbara was honored at the School of Education's “Science of Reading Day,” which brought together the nation’s leading advocates on literacy, along with teachers, parents, and literacy organizations to kickoff the 2024-25 academic year. Drexel University has been a Wilson Accredited Training Partner since 2015, and is a proud provider of Fundations?, Wilson Just Words?, and the Wilson Reading System? (WRS) curricula.

Barbara Wilson's commitment to advancing literacy education through evidence-based instruction remains core to Wilson Language Training's product approach and educator training. We are grateful for her enduring commitment to ensuring every student receives appropriate instruction and that educators are best equipped to do so.

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About Wilson Language Training

For more than thirty years, Wilson has advanced its vision of “Literacy for All” through multisensory structured literacy programs and professional learning backed by a commitment to the Science of Reading and implementation. The Wilson Reading System? (WRS), Fundations?, and Just Words? programs build a solid foundation for beginning readers and reduce the literacy gap for struggling students, including those with dyslexia. Wilson’s certifications result in Wilson? Dyslexia Practitioner and Therapist credentials, which have been awarded Accreditation Plus by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). Nearly 300,000 educators have participated in Wilson courses and workshops, and 25,000 have earned WRS Level I Certification.