Original Data

Abydos Literacy Learning builds on almost a half-century of the solidly seminal work of Harvard’s Janet Emig. With such a firm foundation, Abydos grew grand and strong, proving effective repeatedly in Texas through TABS, TEAMS, TAAS, the SAT, the TPRI and is making a positive difference on the TAKS in school districts where it is properly implemented and supported. Built upon true scientific research designed and monitored by the Educational Testing Service in Princeton in collaboration with Rutgers University, and tested in project and control school districts across New Jersey 1977-1979, it is a proven project. (Carroll, 1984, 315-333)

Continued Research

Continued research out of Abydos Learning (NJWPT) includes dissertations by Vivian Athens Eads, Baylor University; Ginger Cheville Metz, Sam Houston State University; Kelley R. Smith (now Barger) Texas A & M University; and Robin D. Johnson’s, Texas A & M University. Additionally, trainers recertify every three years using the latest research and strategies, which broadens all trainers, trainees, teachers, and administrators.

Recent Trends

In line with the broader return to what is proven and lasting, schools are seeking practices that endure—approaches that are durable, workable, and genuinely successful. Abydos has built this kind of sustainability over decades, district by district, teacher by teacher, student by student.

By resisting fads, commercialism, and scare tactics, Abydos has stayed true to the essentials: reading and writing taught as processes, grammar embedded within those processes, and strategies rooted in authentic student work—not piles of worksheets. Its staff development is grounded in hands-on, research-driven methods rather than conjecture, inflated claims, or false data.

While others faltered, Abydos held firm to what science and practice consistently show about how people learn—and has translated that knowledge into substantial, lasting impact.