The Fast ForWord programs developed by Scientific Learning are comprehensive, research-based intervention software products that strengthen brain processing and reading skills to increase reading proficiency.
Fast Forword develops fundamental cognitive skills.
Fast ForWord trains the brain to optimize learning potential. It does this by developing and strengthening the four fundamental cognitive skill sets which are essential for learning and reading. These skill sets are:
Memory
Memory is essential for word recognition, comprehension of complex sentences, and remembering instructions. Fast ForWord enhances working memory, short and long-term memory.
Attention
Attention is essential to focus on information and tasks, and ignore distractions. Fast ForWord is designed to improve both attention and focus.
Processing
Processing rate is the speed at which a student can discriminate images and speech sounds and identify letter and word forms in order to create meaning. This is a prerequisite for phonemic awareness and reading. An adequate processing rate enables students to accurately perceive and manipulate information. Fast ForWord increases the rate at which students are able to process information.
Sequencing
Sequencing is placing the detail of information in its accustomed order (example: days of the week). In the context of reading, sequencing is the ability to determine the order of letters within words or words within sentences. This is a cognitive skill that relies on memory, attention and processing and is essential for phonics, word fluency, reading and oral comprehension. Fast ForWord improves the recognition of the order of sounds, letters, and concepts.
Memory
Memory is essential for word recognition, comprehension of complex sentences, and remembering instructions. Fast ForWord enhances working memory, short and long-term memory.
Attention
Attention is essential to focus on information and tasks, and ignore distractions. Fast ForWord is designed to improve both attention and focus.
Processing
Processing rate is the speed at which a student can discriminate images and speech sounds and identify letter and word forms in order to create meaning. This is a prerequisite for phonemic awareness and reading. An adequate processing rate enables students to accurately perceive and manipulate information. Fast ForWord increases the rate at which students are able to process information.
Sequencing
Sequencing is placing the detail of information in its accustomed order (example: days of the week). In the context of reading, sequencing is the ability to determine the order of letters within words or words within sentences. This is a cognitive skill that relies on memory, attention and processing and is essential for phonics, word fluency, reading and oral comprehension. Fast ForWord improves the recognition of the order of sounds, letters, and concepts.
Fast ForWord develops reading skills.
- Phonemic (sound) awareness
- Decoding
- Syntax
- Spelling
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Reading fluency
Outcomes
On average, students with language and reading problems make a 1 to 2 year gain in language skills after 12 to 18 weeks of Fast ForWord training. Reports from teachers and parents have shown that these gains last. As cognitive abilities improve, these gains typically accelerate over the following years and are enduring. Fast Forword has been the subject of 700+ white pages and research trials covering 30,000 students with over a million children helped through the program.
