Nardagani Reading Program Pilot at Buhl Middle School Shows Impressive Results
In a small town in southern Idaho, something remarkable happened in 2020. A group of sixth graders at Buhl Middle School became part of a pilot program that could change the way kids learn to read—not just in Idaho, but potentially across the country. The program? The Nardagani Reading Program, founded by literacy innovator Narda Pitkethly.
This pilot, which ran from September to December 2020, faced one of the toughest learning environments imaginable: COVID-19 disruptions. Classes met less frequently than usual, masks were required, and social distancing made group learning harder. Yet, even under these conditions, the program achieved results that were hard to ignore.
Why This Pilot Matters
Reading is a fundamental skill. Without it, students struggle in every other subject. And while most children pick up reading naturally, a significant portion do not. In the U.S., one in four children grows up functionally illiterate, limiting their opportunities in school and beyond.
That’s where the Nardagani Reading Program comes in. Instead of relying on traditional phonics methods, Nardagani breaks English down into 12 letters that make only one sound and 12 symbols representing the other sounds letters make, whether alone or combined. This system simplifies the seemingly chaotic English language and gives struggling readers a structured path to literacy.
By introducing this system to a full sixth-grade class, the Buhl Middle School pilot aimed to test whether Nardagani could improve reading and spelling outcomes for a diverse group of students—from those just starting to read to those already advanced.
The Numbers Tell a Story
When the study wrapped up in December 2020, the results were clear and impressive.
Average grade-level growth: Students improved 1.1 grade levels on average.
Median grade-level growth: The median improvement was 1.2 grade levels, reflecting consistent gains across the classroom.
Reading gains: A 27.1% improvement in mean reading scores.
Spelling gains: A 17.29% improvement in spelling scores.
These numbers are more than just statistics—they’re a reflection of real progress in just three months, despite the challenges of pandemic teaching.
But the most exciting results weren’t just about averages. According to Narda Pitkethly, CEO and founder of Nardagani:
“The improvement amongst students who started with almost no reading skills is spectacular. Some kids went from essentially zero to nearly third-grade reading level in just three months. And even the top readers showed strong improvements. It’s exciting to see how effective Nardagani can be on a large group of students in such a short time.”
This combination of equity and excellence—helping both struggling and advanced students—is what makes the program stand out.
Real Students, Real Stories
Statistics are powerful, but the human side of this story is even more compelling. Imagine a sixth grader who has always struggled with reading. Words blur together, spelling is a nightmare, and every reading assignment feels like climbing a mountain. For these students, traditional teaching methods often feel like they’re failing them.
With the Nardagani system, these students suddenly have a map for decoding English. The symbols give them confidence. The structured approach allows them to sound out words without guessing. And the results? Many students who once dreaded reading now approach books with curiosity and excitement.
One teacher shared how a student who had barely recognized words in September was reading full sentences confidently by December. Another student, previously among the top readers, discovered how to tackle more challenging texts and sharpened spelling skills. Across the board, motivation and engagement soared alongside skill growth.
Overcoming Challenges
Running a pilot during COVID-19 wasn’t easy. Classes met fewer times each week, social distancing limited interactive exercises, and remote learning added a layer of complexity.
Yet the program’s flexibility made it possible to adapt. Narda Pitkethly and the Buhl Middle School teachers coordinated lessons that could work both in-person and virtually. Students received guidance at home and support in the classroom, creating a blended learning environment that still allowed meaningful growth.
The results show that even in imperfect conditions, Nardagani can make a measurable difference. This is especially encouraging for schools across the country dealing with pandemic-related learning gaps.
Why Nardagani Works
At the core of Nardagani’s success is its innovative approach to literacy. Traditional reading instruction relies heavily on memorization and irregular rules, which can leave many children behind. Nardagani, in contrast, provides a clear, systematic method that any learner can follow.
Simplified symbols: 12 letters for single sounds, 12 symbols for combined sounds.
Decoding first, memorization second: Students learn to read words logically, not by guessing.
Confidence-building: Success at reading builds motivation, which fuels continued progress.
Studies, pilot programs, and real classroom results all point to the same conclusion: When the right system meets motivated learners, remarkable progress happens quickly.
Looking Ahead
The Buhl Middle School pilot is just one example of what Nardagani can do. The program has already been tested with hundreds of students, and early results are promising enough to suggest potential for widespread adoption.
Imagine if programs like Nardagani were available in schools across the country. Struggling readers could get targeted support early, advanced readers could continue to thrive, and literacy gaps—long linked to academic failure, economic disadvantage, and social inequities—could start to close.
For Narda Pitkethly, this isn’t just about statistics—it’s about giving every child the gift of reading, opening doors to confidence, opportunity, and lifelong learning.
How You Can Learn More
If you’d like to explore the Nardagani Reading Program, you can:
Email Nardagani for additional information at info@nardagani.com.
Take the Nardagani Masterclass to see the method in action.
Watch Narda’s TEDx talk, “A New Way to Learn to Read English,” to hear her story and vision for literacy reform.
Programs like this prove that literacy isn’t just a basic skill—it’s a foundation for opportunity, empowerment, and confidence. And for students at Buhl Middle School, Nardagani has shown that dramatic progress is possible, even in just three months.