The Initial Teaching Alphabet (ITA), a bold educational experiment from the 1970s, sought to revolutionize early literacy by simplifying the English alphabet. While it achieved its goal of improving reading fluency, there’s compelling evidence suggesting that this method inadvertently contributed to spelling difficulties in adulthood. By analyzing its historical context, teaching principles, and long-term outcomes, we can better understand how the ITA left a lasting mark on students who were part of this experiment.
The Origin and Purpose of the Initial Teaching Alphabet
The Initial Teaching Alphabet was developed by Sir James Pitman, a British educator, in the 1960s. Designed as a phonetic system, the ITA expanded the traditional English alphabet to 44 symbols, corresponding to the phonemes (distinct sounds) of spoken English. The idea was to bridge the gap between the complexities of English spelling and the sounds of the language, thereby smoothing the path to literacy for young learners.
This method was adopted enthusiastically in several English-speaking countries during the 1960s and 1970s, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Advocates believed it could eliminate the confusion caused by irregular English spellings, allowing children to focus on decoding words fluently. As a result, many schools introduced ITA as the primary mode of instruction for early readers.

Short-term Successes of the ITA Method
In the short term, ITA appeared to deliver on its promises. Research from the time showed that children taught with ITA developed reading fluency faster than their peers who learned with traditional English orthography (spelling). The simplified phonetic approach allowed students to decode words with ease, boosting their confidence and engagement in early reading activities.
For example, a study conducted in the early 1970s found that ITA students outperformed their peers in reading comprehension tests during their first two years of schooling. Teachers and parents alike praised the method for its immediate results. However, as these students transitioned to standard English orthography, new challenges began to emerge.
Long-term Consequences: Struggles with Standard Spelling
One of the unintended consequences of the ITA approach was its impact on long-term spelling abilities. The transition from ITA’s phonetic system to traditional English spelling proved difficult for many students. The reliance on a simplified alphabet meant that learners were not exposed to the complexities of standard spelling during their critical early years of education.
As adults, some former ITA students reported persistent struggles with spelling. Research suggests that the disconnect between ITA’s phonetic symbols and standard English spelling patterns created lasting confusion. For example, words like “night” (written as “nite” in ITA) or “through” (simplified to “thru”) led to poor internalization of conventional spelling rules.

Lessons Learned from the 70s Educational Experiment
While the Initial Teaching Alphabet was phased out by the late 1970s, it remains an important case study in educational innovation. It highlights the need to balance immediate outcomes, such as reading fluency, with long-term skills like spelling proficiency. Modern teaching methods have since incorporated phonics-based approaches that aim to address both aspects simultaneously.
Experts now agree that while ITA may have been well-intentioned, its lack of alignment with standard English orthography limited its practical utility. It serves as a reminder that educational experiments must consider the full developmental trajectory of learners, from early literacy to lifelong language skills.
Conclusion: The Mixed Legacy of ITA
The Initial Teaching Alphabet was a bold attempt to simplify the complexities of English for early readers. While it succeeded in improving initial literacy, its long-term effects, particularly on spelling, have been a source of debate among educators and linguists. As we continue to innovate in education, the ITA experiment offers valuable insights into the trade-offs involved in teaching methods and the importance of preparing students for the linguistic realities they will face beyond the classroom.
For further reading on the history and principles of the ITA, explore these resources: Initial Teaching Alphabet on Wikipedia and Initial Teaching Alphabet on Britannica.
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