We’re here to change that.

Memphis public schools are experiencing a literacy crisis with troubling implications for the social, cultural, and economic development of the city. Research demonstrates a clear and troubling link between the toxic stresses of poverty and reading ability. Therefore, to address this crisis, ALLMemphis empowers teachers and literacy coaches in our community with the skills necessary to meet the unique learning needs of our youth.

Our method helps all, hurts none, and transforms some.

ALLMemphis’ core initiative is to train teachers and literacy coaches in the methods of Orton-GIllingham — a multi-sensory approach to literacy instruction that has historically been limited to dyslexia therapy and communities of affluence — and then provide a multi-year mentorship to support the implementation of the approach in charter and public schools. Additionally, we serve individual students with one-on-one remediation.

We’re taking on the previously exclusive Orton-Gillingham approach, adapting it to the realities of the Memphis Title I schools, and making it accessible to ALL Memphis learners.

Orton-Gillingham (O-G) is a multisensory approach to reading that has historically been limited to communities of affluence or dyslexia therapy. It has a universal design, meaning it supports ALL students. While dyslexic children and other atypical learners need this intervention, O-G is also applicable for typical learners who are learning to read. By collecting on-going weekly data, we ensure the continuous improvement of growth in student reading.

By 2019, we plan to impact

All students will have received Orton-Gillingham instruction from our trained teachers and will be monitored for progress. Struggling students will be identified and offered one-on-one ALLMemphis support.

Teachers will receive 40 hours of training by ALLMemphis and will be supported yearlong by trained coaches.

Coaches will receive 40 hours of training by ALLMemphis and will be supported by our yearlong mentorship.

ALLMemphis equips teachers and literacy coaches in partner schools with Orton-Gillingham training, then provides a multi-year in-school mentorship to support the implementation of the approach. Additionally, we support students through individual remediation during the school year and summer.

Our partner school model begins with training K-2 teachers and literacy coaches in the theory and practice of the Orton-Gillingham method. This 40-hour, week-long summer training is the foundation for the ALLMemphis multi-year mentorship.

Mentorship

Over a three-year period, ALLMemphis works with partner schools to ensure the theory and practice learned in training is implemented with integrity. During this time, ALLMemphis collects weekly data to assess student growth and provide recommendations for on-going student support.

Learn about mentorship openings and opportunities at your school.

Remediation

ALLMemphis services are created to provide a support system for ALL students, including those students who require additional attention through remediation services. ALLMemphis provides one-on-one sessions to address language and literacy challenges for students outside our partner schools.

Inquire about remediation for your student today.