The Power of Orton Gillingham and OgStar Reading

A Conversation with Stephanie Nislow , CEO and Founder of OgStar Reading

In this episode of the EdTech Marketing Podcast , we had the pleasure of hosting Stephanie Nislow, the CEO and founder of OgStar Reading. Nislow's passion for revolutionizing literacy education has been the driving force behind the development of the OgStar Reading platform. With a background in education and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by struggling readers, Nislow's journey into entrepreneurship and the edtech space is nothing short of inspiring. During our conversation, she shared insights into the efficacy and impact of Orton Gillingham, the foundational approach behind OgStar Reading, and the profound difference it is making in the lives of students, including those with dyslexia.

The Journey to EdTech Entrepreneurship

Stephanie Nislow’s transition from the classroom to the world of edtech entrepreneurship was driven by a strong desire to address the unmet needs of struggling readers. As a former teacher, Nislow felt the limitations of traditional teaching methods in meeting the diverse needs of her students. Her subsequent training in Orton Gillingham, a structured, multisensory approach to teaching literacy, opened her eyes to the transformative potential of a more systematic and personalized instructional model. Recognizing the need for accessible and effective online solutions for struggling readers, Nislow founded OgStar Reading to bring the benefits of Orton Gillingham to a broader audience.

The Impact of Orton Gillingham

Orton Gillingham (OG) is a time-tested approach to literacy instruction, with its structured, multi-sensory, and individualized methodology proving highly effective for students with dyslexia and other struggling readers. Nislow emphasized the systematic and structured nature of OG, which ensures that no foundational elements are overlooked in the learning process. This approach, coupled with multi-sensory techniques involving speech, handwriting, and movement, engages diverse neural pathways to enhance learning and retention. Additionally, OG's emphasis on individualized pacing enables students to progress at their own speed, fostering comprehension and mastery.

Empowering Struggling Students

OgStar Reading, inspired by the Orton Gillingham approach, has been specifically created to support struggling readers, including those with dyslexia. Nislow highlighted that while OG was originally designed for students with dyslexia, it has also proven beneficial for students who struggle with traditional teaching methods or English language learners. The platform's focus on phonological awareness and multi-sensory learning makes it a valuable resource for a wide range of students, enhancing their reading skills and confidence. Furthermore, the personalized nature of OgStar Reading ensures that it can be utilized as both a preventative and intervention tool, catering to individual student needs more effectively.

Global Reach and Success Stories

OgStar Reading's impact extends beyond the borders of the United States, with users in 62 countries benefiting from its innovative approach to literacy education. Nislow highlighted successful partnerships with schools in diverse settings, including Rwanda, where not only the platform but also teacher training has been instrumental in transforming literacy instruction. The feedback from educators and parents has been overwhelmingly positive, with stories of struggling readers gaining confidence and proficiency in reading, thus paving the way for improved academic performance and a renewed joy for learning.

Making OgStar Reading Accessible

For educators, administrators, and parents interested in exploring the impact of OgStar Reading, the platform offers various options for engagement. From web versions to iOS applications, OgStar Reading ensures accessibility for diverse learning environments. Additionally, training opportunities for teachers, including a comprehensive 60-hour Orton Gillingham plus program, further support the integration of evidence-based literacy instruction in classrooms, enhancing the educational experience for students with diverse learning needs.

In a time when personalized, evidence-based literacy instruction is paramount, the integration of platforms like OgStar Reading offers a beacon of hope for students who have faced challenges in traditional learning environments. With continuous innovation and a commitment to accessibility, OgStar Reading stands as a powerful ally in the quest to nurture proficient and confident readers, transcending geographical boundaries and transforming the lives of students worldwide.

Listen to the full episode here

We're using speech, we're using handwriting, we're using movement, we're using hearing together to really make sure that lots of neural pathways are being fired at the same time and kids are learning and retaining what they're learning. So it's very active, it's not a passive activity........it allows each student to follow their own path."