At the heart of this multisensory, Orton-Gillingham method program is the Preventing Academic Failure (PAF) Teacher's Handbook. This manual contains the methodology and framework for the entire program, integrating reading, spelling and handwriting instruction and has been updated to include the PAF Readers. The program is based on the premise that language learning moves from simple to complex (phonics-based). Children learn individual letter sounds, then build syllables, words and sentences as they progress. The program uses a multisensory approach to accomplish this. Students learn to recognize graphic symbols for letters and sounds (visual), differentiate and duplicate sounds (auditory and vocal), and write symbols to produce sounds and words (kinesthetic). Instruction is organized and systematic with plenty of practice and reinforcement. This is much more than phonetic instruction as it addresses all components of language structure: phonograms, sight words, spelling rules, syllabication and grammatical concepts. There are 215 levels (or lessons) in the program.
Preventing Academic Failure Teacher's Handbook
Description
The Preventing Academic Failure (PAF) Teacher's Handbook is a detailed guide for using the PAF program. It is necessary in order to properly implement the program. The Teacher's Handbook is well organized to ensure success for both teacher and students. Contains over 200 lessons that can be used in conjunction with the Merrill Linguistic Reading Program, Explode The Code, and Megawords.
Features include clearly written, step-by-step instructions for teaching reading, spelling, and handwriting using multisensory techniques, a sequence of over 200 lessons coordinated with the Merrill Readers, assessment tests to monitor progress, lists of vocabulary for reading and spelling lessons, and explanations of how the English language works.
About PAF Series: This early intervention program for reading, spelling, and handwriting addresses reading failure in learning disabled and struggling readers. PAF is based on the latest scientific research and it has been proven successful in over 40 years of use.
Preventing Academic Failure (PAF) is a comprehensive, multisensory Orton-Gillingham-based program designed to teach reading, spelling, handwriting, and grammar effectively while preventing reading failure. It is especially helpful for early elementary students (K–3) but also works well as a remedial program for older students who need structured support.
PAF builds skills systematically from simple to complex. Students learn individual letter sounds, then progress to blending, syllables, words, sentences, and full reading. The program uses a multisensory approach (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic) so children see, hear, say, and write as they learn.
Core Program Component
The heart of the program is the PAF Teacher’s Handbook (recently updated to coordinate with the PAF Readers). It provides:
- Complete methodology and teaching framework
- Detailed lesson plans and templates
- Curriculum sequence showing how all components fit together
- Proficiency tests and assessment tools
- Handwriting instruction appendix
What the Program Covers
- Phonics and decoding
- Reading with decodable text (PAF Reading Series or older Merrill Readers for higher levels)
- Spelling and dictation
- Handwriting
- Grammar concepts
There are 215 carefully sequenced levels/lessons, providing thorough practice and reinforcement. When started in kindergarten or first grade, PAF is highly effective at preventing reading difficulties in at-risk students.
Who It’s For
- Beginning reading instruction (K–3)
- Remedial work for older students with gaps
- Students who benefit from explicit, structured, multisensory teaching
Preventing Academic Failure Reading is a thorough, research-supported program that
integrates multiple language arts skills into one cohesive system. It requires
minimal teacher prep once you’re familiar with the handbook and delivers strong
results for a wide range of learners.
Browse the full PAF program components, including the Teacher’s Handbook, Readers, and Skills Books below!
| Product Format: | Softcover Book |
|---|---|
| Grades: | PK-AD |
| Brand: | Preventing Academic Failure |
| ISBN: | 9780838852712 |
| Length in Inches: | 11 |
| Width in Inches: | 9.25 |
| Height in Inches: | 1 |
| Weight in Pounds: | 1.6 |