Founder and creator Nili Raviv presented a paper at the 2004 British Dyslexia Association International Conference, which summarises some of the research on which the method is based and the results of a pilot study conducted in Newport, Wales in 2003.

Newport Pilot Study

Shortly after completing his practitioner training in 2003, Mike Jones, a special education teacher and therapist using the Raviv method, conducted a pilot study at St. Joseph's High School in Newport, Wales. The study included 10 pupils aged 12-15, who were treated over a three month period. They were given a series of tests at the beginning and at the end of the treatment, as well as follow-up tests after an additional 9 months.

Pupils were tested in 5 main areas:

• Wide Range Achievements Tests (WRAT) Reading.
• WRAT Spelling.
• WRAT Maths.
• The Morrisby Manual Dexterity Test.
• 5 minutes of copying an unseen text.

The following table describes the average rise in pupil scores immediately after completion of treatment, the most impressive individual rise and the additional average rise after a further 9 months with no more treatment.

In the five minute written copying exercise the SPEED OF WRITING ALMOST DOUBLED while the ERROR RATE HALVED.

Less formally, staff also noticed significant improvements in concentration in class, behavior and attitude toward learning and speed of completion of tasks. Further areas of improvement were organization of work and handwriting. All of the children in the study now study in normal classes and are continuing to improve without further therapy.

We also note that Mr. Jones worked with the children for a short period of three months, rather than the recommended four months, as this was the time that coincided with the school year. Had the program been continued for another month, the results would have been even more exciting, as results with other clients can demonstrate.

Research Opportunities

Individuals from University departments have expressed interest in conducting research studies on the Raviv Method. As an organisation with research and educational goals, we are committed to continuously enhancing the application of the Raviv Method. To this end, we are approaching research institutes to ascertain whether independent research can be commissioned. It is our hope that data from such studies will be published in the next 12-18 months.