Orton-Gillingham Training & Curriculum

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Fundamental Learning offers the following courses that lead to all levels of Membership with the Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA). All training programs by Fundamental Learning are taught by an Accredited Training Fellow and meet or exceed the standards set by the Orton-Gillingham Academy as well as the International Dyslexia Association Knowledge and Practice Standards.

Fundamentals

The Fundamentals course is the prerequisite course for all O-G training with Fundamental Learning

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What is Fundamentals?

introductory course* – a prerequisite for ALL O-G training with Fundamental Learning.
Good working knowledge of English is required.

NOTE: Fundamentals is intended as an introduction to the “Science of Reading” and orthographic linguistics, and provides a basic overview of the underlying components and rationale of the Orton-Gillingham approach.

Further training is required in order to teach using the Orton-Gillingham approach.

Who is this course suited for?

It is suited to teachers of any age group or level, speech-language pathologists, tutors, parents, or anyone who wants to understand English! You will be provided with extensive materials to support your learning and to start building your toolkit.

It is the prerequisite course for all O-G training with Fundamental Learning.

There is no rule to prevent a person without a bachelor’s degree from taking coursework and practicum, this is at the discretion of the Fellow; however, the participants who do not have a bachelor’s degree must understand that they will not be qualified to apply to the Academy until they have a BA.

Prerequisites?

– Good working knowledge of the English language

– Although not required to take the course, a minimum of a B.A. is required to pursue certification with the Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA)

Is this accredited training?

All training by Fundamental Learning is delivered by an Accredited Training Fellow of the Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA) and can lead to certification upon successful completion of the training level requirements.

Fundamentals is the prerequisite course for all O-G training with Fundamental Learning and counts as coursework toward the Classroom Educator and Associate Level training.

After successful completion of Fundamentals, participants can apply to OGA as a Subscriber.

A SUBSCRIBER has completed an introductory level course that provides a basic understanding of the history of the OGA, and the science, rationale, and structure of the OGA Approach.
Subscriber Members are not certified by the OGA to teach or tutor students in the OGA Approach

What do I get after completion?
Will I be certified?

You will receive a certificate of Course Completion.

Fundamentals is only the FIRST PART of the Classroom Educator or Associate level training with Fundamental Learning and is not meant to be taken in isolation without further study.

Requirements to receive Certificate of Course Completion:

– Full attendance at all sessions
– Required Readings and assignments
– Completion of Independent Learning Modules
– Quizzes, Assignments

After completion of Fundamentals, you are strongly encouraged to continue on with the Associate Level training. This is a requirement if you will be working with students in a 1:1 remedial situation, and/or if you wish to pursue Academy certification at the Associate level. For those working in classrooms, there is also a Classroom Educator course that is targeted to application in the classroom.

After completion of Fundamentals coursework and assignments, one may apply for Subscriber Membership with OGA. (see below for more information)

Is there a practicum?

There is no practicum with Fundamentals as it is not meant as a stand-alone course (it is the first part of the Associate and Classroom Educator training with Fundamental Learning).

There is a practicum option after successful completion of Classroom Educator, Associate, or Certified level training.
A practicum is required for certification with OGA.

CLICK HERE for more information about a practicum.

FUNDAMENTALS CURRICULUM—What is covered?

Fundamentals provides an overview of the processes underlying literacy development; current research in the fields of reading, writing, spelling, and dyslexia; the scientific study of language and its structure; and introduces the O-G approach.

CLICK HERE for the Fundamentals Curriculum

Classroom Educator

ORTON-GILLINGHAM CLASSROOM EDUCATOR (OGCE) TRAINING

What is the Classroom Educator Course?

The CLASSROOM EDUCATOR level training course is specifically designed to equip teachers with tools and resources to deliver beginning literacy instruction in the classroom. (Tier 1 & 2)
Trainees walk away with a multitude of materials and ideas to use in the classroom, small groups or with individual students.

The coursework provides educators with the basic content knowledge of research-based explicit language instruction as well as the delivery of instruction aligned with Orton-Gillingham Principles.

Students with greater deficits in reading will need more intensive instruction delivered by a practitioner trained at the Associate level or above.

Who is this course suited for?

The CLASSROOM EDUCATOR level is intended for educators teaching in a general education setting.

The Classroom Educator practitioner is certified by OGA to provide and adapt literacy instruction for the whole class or for small groups needing supplemental support (Tier 1 & 2).

Trainees who wish to provide remedial support need to take the Associate Practitioner course.

Prerequisites?

Fundamentals with Fundamental Learning is a prerequisite to enroll in the Classroom Educator course with Fundamental Learning.

NOTE: Many O-G trainings will offer Classroom Educator as a complete course, but Fundamental Learning has separated it into two sections – offering Fundamentals as the base for both Classroom Educator and Associate Practitioner Training.

Although not required to take the course, a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any area of study is required to gain certification with OGA.

Is this accredited training?

What do I get after completion?
Will I be certified?

You will receive a certificate of Course Completion.
You will be eligible to apply for a practicum (see below).
A practicum is required for certification with OGA (Orton-Gillingham Academy).

Requirements to receive Certificate of Course Completion:

– Full attendance at all sessions
– Required Readings and assignments
– Completion of Independent Learning Modules

Is there a practicum?

A practicum is REQUIRED to apply for certification as an Associate Practitioner with OGA.

A CLASSROOM EDUCATOR level practicum consists of 50 hours supervised practicum over 8 consecutive months, minimum, which includes 5 observations of the trainee teaching complete lessons in a group (of at least 2 students) or classroom setting conducted by the Fellow.

After completion of ALL Classroom Educator course requirements, trainees may apply for a practicum.
Limited space is available and requires a strong commitment to learning, self-evaluation and reflection, as well a strong level of competency with the material in the course.
If you are interested in a practicum, please indicate when you submit the registration form.
*Please note there is no guarantee of a practicum placement.
If trainees are not yet ready for a practicum at the completion of the course, they may audit future courses to develop their skills and knowledge and apply again at a later time.

CLICK HERE for more information about a practicum.

CLASSROOM EDUCATOR CURRICULUM
—What is covered?

This course focuses on applying the principles of the Orton-Gillingham Approach to modify and provide literacy instruction for the classroom or small groups. We take the content, skills and knowledge gained from Fundamentals and see how to apply it with students of varied ages in a group setting.

There are demonstration lessons and a wealth of resources and materials provided that can be used directly or adapted.

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Associate

ORTON-GILLINGHAM ASSOCIATE PRACTITIONER TRAINING

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What is Associate training?

The ASSOCIATE level training continues working with the concepts introduced in Fundamentals with a more in-depth immersion into the linguistic structure of language, exploring the relationships between phonology, morphology, and etymology, as well as the History of the English Language. There is additional coursework in assessment, profile development, progress monitoring, diagnostic and prescriptive teaching, in-depth student error analysis, vocabulary development, basic grammar, as well as practice in designing and delivering O-G lessons.

Who is this course suited for?

Associate level is intended for practitioners working with struggling readers of all ages, including those with dyslexia, in individual or group settings. Until completing the Certified Level of certification, it is recommended that members work under the mentorship of an OGA Fellow.

Prerequisites?

Fundamentals with Fundamental Learning is a prerequisite to enroll in the Associate Practitioner course with Fundamental Learning.

NOTE: Many O-G trainings will offer the Associate training as a complete course, but Fundamental Learning has separated it into two sections – offering Fundamentals as the base for both Classroom Educator and Associate Practitioner Training.

Although not required to take the course, a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any area of study is required to gain certification with OGA.

Is this accredited training?

What do I get after completion?
Will I be certified?

Is there a practicum?

A practicum is REQUIRED to apply for certification as an Associate Practitioner with OGA.

An ASSOCIATE level practicum consists of 100 hours supervised practicum over 8 consecutive months (minimum), which includes 10 entire 40-60 minute lesson observations of the trainee conducted by a Fellow.
Option A: 100 hours teaching 1:1
Option B: (Must have completed both Associate and Classroom Educator courses)
50 hours 1:1 and 50 hours teaching in a group (of at least 2 students) or classroom setting

After completion of ALL Associate course requirements, trainees may apply for a practicum.
Limited space is available and requires a strong commitment to learning, self-evaluation and reflection, as well a strong level of competency with the material in the course.
If you are interested in a practicum, please indicate when you submit the registration form.
*Please note there is no guarantee of a practicum placement.
If trainees are not yet ready for a practicum at the completion of the course, they may audit future courses to develop their skills and knowledge and apply again at a later time.

CLICK HERE for more information about a practicum.

ASSOCIATE CURRICULUM—What is covered?

The ASSOCIATE level training course continues working with the concepts introduced in Fundamentals with a more in-depth immersion into the linguistic structure of language, exploring the relationships between phonology, morphology, and etymology, as well as the History of the English Language. There is additional coursework in assessment, profile development, progress monitoring, diagnostic and prescriptive teaching, in-depth student error analysis, vocabulary development, basic grammar, as well as practice in designing and delivering O-G lessons.

CLICK HERE for the Associate curriculum outline.

Certified

ORTON-GILLINGHAM CERTIFIED LEVEL TRAINING

What is Certified Level Training?

The Certified Level expands and deepens the Associate Level concepts and equips the practitioner with the skills to address the needs of struggling readers of all ages, including those with dyslexia and more complex learning profiles, in any setting.

Who is this course suited for?

Certified Level is intended for practitioners who have completed the Associate level training and practicum.

Prerequisites?

All Associate level training must be completed

Although not required to take the course, a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any area of study is required to gain certification with OGA.

Is this accredited training?

What do I get after completion?
Will I be certified?

Is there a practicum?

A practicum is REQUIRED to apply for certification as an Associate Practitioner with OGA.

A CERTIFIED level practicum consists of 200 hours supervised practicum over 2 academic years, minimum (in addition to the 100 hours at Associate for a total of 300 hours), which includes 10 entire 40-60 minute lesson observations of the trainee by a Fellow on-site, unedited video or web-based application. The practicum is with 2 different students: 1 at the lower level of language instruction and 1 at a higher level of language instruction.

After completion of ALL Certified course requirements, trainees may apply for a practicum.
Limited space is available and requires a strong commitment to learning, self-evaluation and reflection, as well a strong level of competency with the material in the course.
If you are interested in a practicum, please indicate when you submit the registration form.
*Please note there is no guarantee of a practicum placement.
If trainees are not yet ready for a practicum at the completion of the course, they may audit future courses to develop their skills and knowledge and apply again at a later time.

CLICK HERE for more information about a practicum.

CERTIFIED CURRICULUM—What is covered?

The CERTIFIED level training course consists of an additional 100 hours of advanced coursework which includes current research, study of the brain, dyslexia and related difficulties, language structure, writing, grammar, morphology, etymology, assessment, error analysis, organization and study skills, technology, lesson planning and using O-G strategies across subject areas.

In an advanced level course, there is an expectation that the particular topics and methods will be adapted to suit the needs of the course participants. Trainees should be prepared for an intensive course of study that will involve active participation, completion of readings and assignments beyond the in-class hours.

CLICK HERE for the Certified level curriculum outline.

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WHAT IS O-G

CLICK HERE for more information about Orton-Gillingham

What is the Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA)?

The Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA) is a certifying and accrediting body dedicated to upholding the highest professional and ethical standards for the practice of the Orton-Gillingham (OG) Approach for the treatment of dyslexia. OG is an approach that prepares the practitioner to individualize instruction to meet the specific needs of each learner.

The Academy has deep roots. It was established by its Founding Fellows, who were either trained directly by Dr. Samuel Orton, Anna Gillingham, Bessie Stillman, June Lyday Orton, Paula Rome or other individuals trained by the previously mentioned individuals. The Academy trains people to use the Orton-Gillingham Approach with students of any age—pre-k through adult. We do not follow a set scope and sequence. What is important is that the teacher/tutor understand how to use and implement the OG teaching techniques and procedures. It involves how to teach/remediate all areas of literacy, not just reading and spelling and to provide this instruction one-on-one, in a classroom, or with any size group. We provide not only the knowledge-base with our coursework but also the practical experience and support learning how to apply the knowledge-base.

One of the primary ways the Academy pursues its mission is through a practitioner Certification Program validating rigorous training standards set forth by the Academy. Upon completion of Academy training with a Fellow, an applicant submits specific credentials and documentation that are reviewed against these criteria and standards set by the Academy at four different levels of certification.

OGA Levels of Membership

The membership levels in the Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA) reflect a graduated range of coursework that increases in depth and breadth of literacy knowledge. Each course follows the OGA Curriculum Standards and the OGA Principles. Membership at each level requires participants to successfully complete designated coursework; a supervised practicum at the Classroom Educator, Associate, Certified, and FIT levels; and an application and acceptance by the OGA.

Subscriber Membership: (one may apply after Fundamentals training is completed)
Subscriber Members have taken an introductory level course (minimum of 6 hours, by a Fellow) that provides a basic understanding of the nature of dyslexia, the history of the OGA, the science, rationale, and structure of the OG Approach. *Subscriber Members are not certified by the OGA to teach or tutor students in the OG Approach.

For more information, visit the Orton-Gillingham Academy website.

Liisa Freure, an exceptional Orton-Gillingham trainer, has profoundly impacted my educational journey.
Her influence goes beyond teaching; she has instilled in me a deep appreciation for linguistics. Under Liisa’s guidance,
I consistently acquire valuable knowledge, creating a dynamic learning experience. The commitment and skill Liisa brings to her role make her an invaluable mentor.

Shari Kudsiateacher and creator of Spelliosity

Taking Liisa’s Orton Gillingham Associate Level training course in 2014 transformed my teaching practice. I was amazed at how much I learned each day, and I was so excited to take this information back to the classroom and share it with my students.
I wasn’t able to complete the practicum component of the training at that time, so in 2020, I decided it was time to have another go. I re-took Liisa’s course, and entered into my practicum. I can honestly say that the practicum was the single most intense, memorable, and transformative experience of my entire teaching career. I cannot say enough positive things about the practicum experience. Even if you are not interested in applying to the OG Academy, the practicum is totally worth your while. Through Liisa’s observations and feedback sessions, I learned how to plan and implement lessons, and gained a much deeper understanding of the concepts covered in her course and the most effective way to teach them. My students thrived, even though a good deal of our lessons were online due to the pandemic. Many thanks to Liisa for such a rich, transformative learning experience!

Lee-Ann Learteacher and Founder of Syllasense