How is this intervention unique? What were the researchers attempting to achieve?

The Early Literacy Skills Builder (ELSB) was developed to teach reading skills to verbal and nonverbal students with IDD. Its goal is to help moderately to severely disabled students gain the needed skills to participate in a standard reading program.

This NRP-aligned approach includes systematic and direct instruction, high lesson repetition, scripted lessons, and continuous assessments. ELSB’s two main components focus first on phonological and written language awareness skills, then comprehension, vocabulary, and other literacy skills through grade-level literature.

ELSB 90-minute lessons align with common core standards. A DVD trains educators and parents.

What does the research evidence say about this intervention?

Five of the 19 peer-reviewed scientific studies used in this thesis employed ELSB in their experiments and found the curriculum to be successful in helping student with IDD learn phonological awareness skills, decoding, and comprehension skills.

Is this intervention/curriculum available to parents/educators?

ELSB may be purchased by parents and educators from Attainment Company.

What is the cost?

ELSB is produced by the Attainment Company and the entire eight level program may be purchased through their website for $695. Used copies of individual levels can also be found by searching the internet.