Why Literacy Expert Dr. Jeffrey Wilhelm Believes in the Nardagani Reading Program
When a child struggles with reading, parents often find themselves lost between frustration, guilt, and endless searching for something—anything—that truly helps. Few people understand this emotional and educational challenge better than Dr. Jeffrey Wilhelm, a nationally recognized literacy expert and professor of English education at Boise State University.
As a member of the Nardagani Advisory Board, Dr. Wilhelm brings decades of research and classroom experience to the conversation about how we teach reading—and why so many children are left behind by traditional methods. With over 37 published books on literacy and education (including 24 national bestsellers), his voice carries deep credibility in both academic and parent circles.
Recently, Dr. Wilhelm conducted a research study on the Nardagani Reading Program, exploring how its symbol-based approach impacts decoding skills and reading fluency among struggling readers in schools. His findings—and his enthusiasm—reveal a powerful truth: breakthroughs are possible, even for older students who’ve spent years feeling defeated by words.
Discovering Nardagani
Nardagani: How did you first learn about Nardagani?
Dr. Jeffrey Wilhelm: “Narda contacted me directly at Boise State University. She sent me a letter and some materials, which I glanced at and thought were highly unconventional. Since I’m not an early literacy specialist, I set them aside.
Then, she called again—this time saying she was in Boise and wanted to meet. I agreed. When we sat down, she showed me a few videos featuring students and parents—many of them at the middle and high school level—who had used Nardagani. What I saw was entirely compelling.
As someone who has spent my career in middle and high schools, I know that 3%–10% of students don’t know how to decode words. That means they can’t fully participate in schoolwork or build the comprehension skills they need for success. Seeing those kids suddenly able to read—and seeing the relief and joy in their parents’ faces—was incredibly powerful.”
A Breakthrough When Nothing Else Worked
For Dr. Wilhelm, the most striking part of Nardagani’s impact wasn’t just the improved reading fluency—it was the emotional transformation in students who had nearly given up on themselves.
Dr. Wilhelm: “I was deeply compelled that even at that age, when nothing else had worked, Nardagani provided a breakthrough. I’ve worked with every kind of intervention and reading method over the years, but very few manage to help students who’ve struggled for so long.
When you witness a student who’s been reading below grade level suddenly decode words independently—and actually enjoy reading for the first time—it’s more than progress. It’s life-changing.
The videos Narda shared didn’t just show improved literacy—they showed restored confidence. Kids were smiling, laughing, volunteering to read aloud. Parents were emotional. Teachers were amazed. You could feel the relief.”
Why Nardagani Works
Nardagani simplifies one of the biggest barriers in English: unpredictable pronunciation. The system uses 12 simple symbols placed below letters to guide learners on which sounds to make. Once students memorize the symbols, they can decode almost any English word, even if they’ve never seen it before.
Dr. Wilhelm explains that this visual cue system aligns with what literacy research shows about multisensory learning—combining sight, sound, and memory in a way that helps struggling readers “lock in” word recognition faster.
Dr. Wilhelm: “What impresses me most about Nardagani is its clarity and consistency. English is notoriously full of irregularities, but Nardagani strips away the guesswork. It gives learners a tool to succeed immediately, which builds confidence. Once students realize they can read, their motivation skyrockets.”
Easy for Teachers and Parents to Use
One of the key findings from Dr. Wilhelm’s research was how accessible the Nardagani method is for both teachers and families.
Dr. Wilhelm: “In our studies, teachers could learn it quite quickly—within a couple of hours—and begin using it effectively. They could then teach parents or peers to use it in a similar amount of time. That means it’s not just a teacher-driven program; it’s a community-friendly system where older students, parents, or volunteers can all support struggling readers.”
This simplicity is crucial. Many reading programs are overly complex or require specialized training, which limits their reach. Nardagani, by contrast, empowers anyone—parents, tutors, or classroom aides—to make an immediate difference.
A Message for Parents of Struggling Readers
Dr. Wilhelm emphasizes that parents should never lose hope, even when progress feels painfully slow.
Dr. Wilhelm: “The biggest mistake is thinking that if a child hasn’t learned to read by a certain age, they never will. That’s not true. The human brain remains flexible, especially when you introduce a new system that finally makes sense to the learner.
Parents often underestimate how much structured confidence-building matters. Nardagani gives students a framework that works immediately. That sense of success—of reading a word correctly—is what fuels continued practice and growth.”
He also encourages parents to stay involved, read with their children, and celebrate small wins. “When kids feel supported and see that reading is a shared joy, not a test, everything changes,” he says.
A Hopeful Future for Literacy
For Dr. Wilhelm, programs like Nardagani represent more than just another educational tool—they signal a broader shift in how we approach literacy for all learners.
Dr. Wilhelm: “Education has spent decades trying to solve the reading crisis, and yet millions still struggle. What makes Nardagani exciting is its simplicity, its evidence-based design, and its immediate results. I’ve seen it work for students who were years behind—and that’s a rare thing.”
As research continues, Dr. Wilhelm hopes more schools, districts, and parents will explore innovative methods like this one. “Every child deserves to feel the joy of reading,” he concludes. “And every parent deserves to know that help exists—even when everything else has failed.”
Want to learn more?
Watch Narda Pitkethly’s TEDx talk, “A New Way to Learn to Read English”, and explore the Nardagani Reading Program—where hope meets proven results.
TEDx Talk by Founder: Watch Here
Website: https://www.nardagani.com
iOS Link: App Store
Google Play Link: Play Store
Promotional Video: Watch Here
