Wilson has proven effectiveness for students who are significantly behind in reading, have trouble sounding out words, reading smoothly, and spelling. It is designed for students in Grades 2-12, as well as adults. It is one of a few select programs accredited by the International Dyslexia Association.
Wilson is a structured literacy program, which means that students learn in an organized, explicit, and sequential manner. The instruction follows a logical progression of language skills, which build on one another. The lessons are taught in small group and are individualized for students' needs. While the teacher follows a well-defined program of skills and routines, they constantly monitor student progress to plan and pace each lesson according what that child needs that day. Instruction emphasizes phonics, which involves learning sound-letter connections, sounding out words (decoding), and spelling. Wilson also teaches vocabulary, word structure and meaning (morphology), and comprehension skills.