Vision Statement 

From years of work in remedial education, we know the difference between techniques that work and quasi scientific theories that tend to attract attention and followers. We used a phonics reading training program that had some serious short comings to which we made adjustments because that was the best we had. However, with time and discussion the weaknesses in what we were doing became real concerns. In September 1992, we decided to do something about it. 

The foregoing “Statement of the Problem,” while written recently, is virtually the same line of reasoning that was in our minds when we began the process of creating a computerized phonics reading/language training program. It was quite another matter with regard to the vision we held for what we would create. Truth is truth. We did not envision the product as it now exists. 

We began by pulling together all the concepts we knew we needed, and we examined how each element should be constructed and integrated to get the best possible results. Perhaps the process could be likened to the building of a race car. We needed the best engine, the most perfect drive, the most efficient lubricants, the least wind resistance—the finest of everything. We began to build; we stopped and began again; once more we stopped and started over, but this time we had it!, and we knew it! 

Our pilot class of  third graders was selected and with their parents behind us, we set them off on the “test drive.” At the end of the first period we checked the results and looked in awe at what they had done. They had exceeded our best expectations and we were thrilled. This pilot class of eight little stars has gone on “never to look back.” This lead us to puzzle over “what is this ‘baby’ we have created?” We have been studying the results that continue to come in and we have arrived at a vision for America’s Phonics which we think will endure for its future:  

America’s Phonics will enable students of English to acquire reading, spelling and language expression, at rates of speed heretofore not expected. America’s Phonics will provide, all who pass through its portals, a foundation for the use of English at the highest professional levels. America’s Phonics will be an instrument toward the development of improved appreciation for our language in America. America’s Phonics will serve to extend the fact of English as the “international language” by enabling those from foreign countries around the world to acquire and/or improve their visual and aural English skills. America’s Phonics will become “teachers’ choice” because of minimal teacher training requirements and its self-contained, easy-to-use construction.