Neurologist Dr. Samuel Orton, and educators Anna Gillingham and Bessie Stillman developed the Orton-Gillingham philosophy back in the 1930s and 1940s. Refined over time, the methods have proven their relevance again and again and are considered to be the gold standard in reading instruction for dyslexic children. This approach combines systematic phonics with applied linguistics to create personalized, systematic lessons. Through direct, explicit instruction, students received continuous feedback and positive reinforcement which results in linguistic competence.