Background Information

E.B.L.I. (Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction) was created through the combined efforts of Celeste Hammell, a professional educator from New Jersey, and Nora Chahbazi, the owner of the Ounce of Prevention Reading Center in Flushing, MI.

Drawing on their experience and expertise, the latest scientific reading research, the skills gained from training several hundred classroom teachers and para-professionals, and the results and insights garnered through over 3000 clinical hours of providing reading instruction, the co-directors are continuously refining E.B.L.I. Both individuals have had extensive experience as Phono-Graphix instructors and teacher trainers.

Based on a continued desire to incorporate the extensive body of reading research, Celeste and Nora have compiled a succinct set of reading strategies. The goal is to provide educators and students with effective, efficient, research-based strategies to help all learners reach their highest potential in reading.

At this point, E.B.L.I. has been used in individual tutoring (clinical and school settings), as well as small-group and classroom-level instruction by clinicians, para-professionals, community volunteers, and certified teachers. E.B.L.I. has proven to be effective and efficient with struggling, average, and above average readers at all grade levels.