The origins of Scientific Learning go back more than 30 years to the work conducted by our founders, noted research scientists Drs. Michael Merzenich and Bill Jenkins at the University of California, San Francisco, and Drs. Paula Tallal and Steven Miller at Rutgers University. Their research collaboration established several key findings:
- The core cognitive and linguistic attributes that allow a student to learn can be improved through intensive intervention.
- Acoustically modified speech technology can help build a wide range of critical language and reading skills.
- Computers can be used to create interactive, adaptive learning interventions based on a neuroscience foundation that yield years of growth in as little as a few weeks.
Based on this research, Drs. Merzenich, Jenkins, Tallal, and Miller created the Fast ForWord® family of reading intervention products. These products use patented technology to create an optimal learning environment that exercises and trains the brain to process more efficiently.
In March of 1997, after an extensive field trial with 500 children at 35 sites, we launched our first Fast ForWord product, Fast ForWord Language. Later that year, a second field trial replicated earlier results, showing gains, on average, of 1-2 years in 8 to 12 weeks. Today, more than a million Fast ForWord products have been used in schools and clinics across the US and around the world.
Since 1997, we have expanded the Fast ForWord program to include three series:
- Fast ForWord LANGUAGE products build foundational reading and language skills for younger students
- Fast ForWord LITERACY products build foundational reading and language skills and are tailored to the adolescent learner
- Fast ForWord READING products build critical reading skills so districts get the most from their existing instructional approach
Scientific Learning Progress Tracker, an accountability tool, is a web based data analysis and reporting tool that provides detailed information and reporting on student progress.
In January, 2008, we acquired Reading Assistant™ from Soliloquy Learning. Reading Assistant combines speech recognition technology with courseware to help students strengthen fluency, vocabulary and comprehension to become proficient life-long readers.
We're proud to partner with dedicated educators across the country in helping students achieve reading success.