Brightstar Learning
BrightStar Learning Ltd is a privately owned company, which owns and markets the BrightStar Dyslexia technologyä to public and private sectors.

BrightStar was first established in the UK in 2002 with a flagship center in Waterloo, London.  In November 2003 a second centre opened in Paddington, London.  BrightStar has also now reached the USA, with a third centre in Palo Alto, San Francisco.

With plans to expand throughout the UK, Europe and USA, BrightStar’s pioneering technology presents new hope for dyslexics across the world.

How it works
The BrightStar programme has been proven to significantly improve the symptoms of Dyslexia over a short period of time.

The BrightStar Dyslexia technologyä is based on new scientific developments.  It uses visual stimuli, which are tailored to an individual to aid communication between three areas of the brain:

During 20-minute sessions, the client wears a heart rate monitor and computer software converts heartbeats into a display of moving, flashing icons.  Watching this display stimulates the brain to work more efficiently.

These technology sessions are complemented by weekly teaching sessions, which help to maximize learning potential whilst the brain is primed.  BrightStar’s teachers are able to make real progress with the client in one-to-one teaching sessions, which are structured according to each individual’s needs.

Success you can measure
BrightStar’s objective is to help dyslexics reach their full potential by improving their literacy skills.

If a dyslexic child receives no help for Dyslexia during a 6-week period they typically see only 4 weeks progress with literacy skills.  If this trend continues they may fall further and further behind in their chronological literacy age for reading, writing and spelling.

Source: BrightStar Clinical Data 2003

By following the BrightStar programme it is proven that a dyslexic could make dramatic progress in just a few weeks, helping them to catch up to their potential in reading, writing and spelling.

On average a client could see improvements of 16 months in word recognition, 11 months in spelling and 13 months in reading comprehension. Further benefits, which BrightStar measures also includes improvements in short-term memory, writing and confidence.

Scientifically proven
Prior to the launch of BrightStar, Nottingham University conducted an independent scientific study among adults. The results revealed that adults who attended just four BrightStar technology sessions over a 2 week period, showed:

• Almost 300% greater improvement in their ability to retrieve words when shown a picture, than those who received no BrightStar technology sessions.

• 250% greater improvement in their ability to read more fluently, than those who received no BrightStar technology sessions. 

Source: Professor Stephen Jackson, School of Psychology, University of Nottingham (March 2002)

Schemes
BrightStar offers hope to many dyslexics and consequently strives to raise awareness of the programme and to make it accessible to more people.

Between April and September 2003, the London Borough of Southwark LEA teamed up with BrightStar, to run a pilot Dyslexia project across 5 Southwark schools.  The aim was to see how BrightStar’s Dyslexia technology would help school children suffering from Dyslexia in the borough. This enabled 14 students from local Southwark schools to follow the BrightStar programme.

Chris’s mum and teachers have noticed the changes both at school and socially. Chris now has the confidence to embark on new ventures; joining clubs and taking part in plays and concerts.

“We are amazed with the change in our son. His confidence has multiplied and he no longer holds back from doing things. His teachers have mentioned this change and have said his SAT’s this year were just amazing” - Chris’s mum

Results from the pilot scheme were hugely encouraging.  Southwark LEA has acknowledged the positive outcome of the project and recognized the ability of the BrightStar programme to help some dyslexic pupils.  They are now financially supporting and encouraging newly statemented children to go on the BrightStar programme.

BrightStar is continuing its support in the community and is currently conducting a pilot scheme with the Harris Trust for dyslexic pupils in Peckham.  In addition, BrightStar continues to liaise with schools and organizations in the effort to help people of all ages with their dyslexia.

Awareness
BrightStar is now becoming more widely known among dyslexics, teachers and parents alike. In order to promote this and give more people the opportunity to learn about BrightStar, information open evenings are occasionally held at BrightStar’s centres.  For more information visit www.brightstarlearning.com or call 0870 3000 777.

Visits to the BrightStar centers, provide people with the opportunity to see the technology at work and hear from our consultants and teachers.

TV programme
BrightStar’s ability to transform lives was featured on an ITV documentary in 2003 called ‘The Test’.
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The programme features 54 year old dyslexic, Bev Hawes. Having struggled through school and various jobs, Bev was challenged by a TV company to overcome his difficulties. The subsequent programme documents how BrightStar helped Bev to achieve an increase in spelling from child to adult levels.

This enabled Bev to go on and accomplish his life-long ambition of writing an article for the UKs leading surfing magazine.

For George, his Dyslexia meant that he found schoolwork very difficult, as every day he struggled with his reading and writing. George was very aware of his difficulties, which in turn damaged his confidence.

After following BrightStar, George noticed improvements in all areas of his literacy. Notably, George’s spelling improved by 1 year and 9 months. Additionally, his reading comprehension improved by over 1 year and his reading accuracy by over 4 months.

Although George still finds academic tasks difficult, he now feels that he is able to cope more at school and with his homework. One of the immeasurable benefits that George has gained is a dramatic increase in self-esteem and confidence when it comes to his schoolwork.
 

Jonty Lees has a newfound confidence at school. Jonty now takes pride in his schoolwork and is able to organise his homework effectively. He enjoys participating in group activities, loves playing rugby and is now ready to put his hand up in class if he doesn’t understand something. Things have not always been this way for Jonty, who until recently was rapidly falling behind his peers at school. With a reading age nearly 2 years below his chronological age, Jonty was struggling to understand lessons and was reluctant to ask any questions.

Jonty saw an improvement within 3 weeks of attending BrightStar. Schoolwork became easier and he was able to organise and plan his homework better.

“His memory improved and he was able to order himself and his things in a much more efficient way. Doing homework for school seemed much easier and was completed in double quick time.” (Mrs Lees)

Jonty’s literacy skills improved considerably with an increase in reading age of 1 year 7 months. Additionally, his spelling age increased by 1 year 6 months.

This has not only helped Jonty with his schoolwork but has also had a positive effect on his self-esteem. Jonty now approaches all aspects of his life with a ‘can do’ attitude.

“Jonty’s form teacher has seen an improvement in spelling and confidence. BrightStar and this course have encouraged me personally that Jonty will be able to cope with school and the system now with a new confidence and ability.” - Mrs Lees


BrightStar's Teachers
The results achieved at BrightStar are exciting for all those involved, especially for the teachers who work with the clients on a regular individual basis. Our teachers gain great satisfaction from seeing clients improve and are dedicated to motivating dyslexics to persevere with their reading and writing.

“I am often asked why I teach. I do it because I gain great satisfaction when I see that one of my students ‘get it’. What I mean is that they begin to own their learning and actually enjoy the thing they have found difficult for years. When I see someone begin to enjoy the mundane activities of language development and reading comprehension practice, I know why I teach.” (BrightStar teacher)

Location
BrightStar is currently available at our two centres based at Waterloo and Paddington, London, UK.  BrightStar is also available in Palo Alto, San Francisco, USA. 

In the future, BrightStar is looking to expand its centres and schemes throughout the UK, Europe and USA, enabling more dyslexics to benefit from the programme worldwide.

www.brightstarlearning.com