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!
These icons are designed to help you quickly understand and learn important information about our products.
Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
