Supporting Secondary Students with Dyslexia
What happens when you give older students with dyslexia the tools to read deeply, write confidently, and think critically?
At DAS, we stopped wondering—and built the iReaCH programme to make it happen.
In a groundbreaking study recently published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Developmental Differences (APJDD), DAS researchers explored how a targeted, online intervention can transform the literacy journey for secondary students with dyslexia. And the results are too good not to share.
The Problem: A Literacy Gap That Widens with Age
Most dyslexia support stops at the basics—phonics, decoding, and early reading.
But what about older students struggling with essays, comprehension passages, and subject-specific vocabulary?
These students are expected to read to learn—but without the right tools, they’re left behind. That’s where iReaCH™ comes in.
The Solution: iReaCH™ — Innovative Reading Comprehension & Writing Support
iReaCHâ„¢ (Integrated Reading Comprehension and Writing) was designed for secondary school students who need help moving beyond basic literacy.
Here’s what sets it apart:
✅  Explicit vocabulary instruction using Orton-Gillingham principles + Marzano’s six-step method
✅  Comprehension strategies like inference, summarising, and analytical thinking
✅  Writing support for structuring essays and expressing complex ideas
✅  Delivered online — accessible, engaging, and student-friendly
The Impact: Real Progress, Real Students
Over 18 months, 30 students participated in this online programme—and the results spoke volumes:
✅   Moderate to large gains in vocabulary and reading comprehension
✅   Improved confidence and fluency in writing
✅   Higher engagement in class and better performance across subjects
In short? These students didn’t just catch up—they levelled up.
Why It Works: A Smarter Approach to Literacy
What makes iReaCH different is its focus on higher-order literacy. Rather than drilling phonics, the programme teaches students how to:
✅   Understand academic vocabulary
✅   Think critically about texts
✅    Express ideas in structured, powerful writing
For students with dyslexia, this unlocks access to real academic success—not just survival.
The Future: Scalable, Digital, and Impactful
iReaCH proves that well-designed online learning works.
It’s scalable, adaptable, and most importantly —it works for students who need it most.
Want the full details? Read the published study here: Â Â Download the full research article (APJDD 2025)