The Sound Way

In recent decades, The Sound Way was used at numerous schools I was associated with in North Queensland, Australia, with outstanding results. At Garbutt State School, the initial primary school that trialled the program in Townsville, a number of students in various grade levels completed the program. In one term the grade 6/7 students demonstrated an average improvement of over 3 years in reading (accuracy and comprehension) 2+ years in spelling levels, as shown by standardised tests administered one-on-one. Note all students participated, including special needs students and some students had a 5-7 year improvement in reading. The school was awarded a National Literacy Award “as a role model” and $10,000 for resources, as the Queensland winner. As a result Channel 9’s A Current Affair Program did a major segment on a year two class with pre and post-program filming and again in one term the improvements were remarkable - an average of 2.5 years improvement in reading. Note that 65 percent of the students at the school identified as of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or Pacific Islander descent. As head of the English Committee, I was aware of the need to raise literacy levels as many of our students had been performing at a below average level on school and state tests. Our school was eventually featured in national newspapers such as the Australian. The Sound Way can be used with individuals at home or in a whole class situation in schools, and I know our results were not unique. In many states and overseas, many other teachers have had similar results in both primary and secondary schools using The Sound Way. I highly recommend the program for your student/s who want to establish a strong foundation in reading, writing and spelling.