Please note that registration for the fall program is now open. Click here to download the application and here to download our guidelines.

When

Saturdays, Sept. 25 to Dec. 11 (excepting Oct. 9 and 30) | 8:30 am to 4:30 pm | 10 days | 72 hrs total instruction |

Fraser Academy is pleased to offer high-quality training in structured, multisensory language instruction. This Orton-Gillingham course provides participants with the opportunity to learn the structure of written English as well as systematic and multisensory techniques for teaching students with dyslexia and other language-related learning disabilities. Accreditation is through the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators.

Coursework

The Associate Level Course is the foundation-level course in the Orton-Gillingham approach. Classes provide hands-on opportunities to learn the structure of the English language and practice multisensory techniques for teaching reading, spelling and handwriting. Presentations include lectures, multisensory experiences and teaching demonstrations, and cover the following subjects:

• The history and principles of Orton-Gillingham instruction
• Characteristics of the dyslexic learner
• Phonological awareness
• Sound-symbol relationships
• Syllable instruction
• Spelling rules and generalizations
• Handwriting
• Reading accuracy and fluency
• Morphology and vocabulary development
• Structured, multisensory teaching techniques
• Informal assessment and diagnostic-prescriptive teaching
• Individualized lesson plan development and delivery
• Interactive demonstrations and activities using the O-G method.

Homework requirements include the completion of required readings, written summaries, lesson plans and quizzes.

O-G Practicum

Following completion of course work, students may choose to participate in a supervised practicum leading to membership at the Associate Level in the Orton-Gillingham Academy of Practitioners and Educators. The requirements for admission to the Academy at the Associate Level are:

• Bachelor's degree
• Orton-Gillingham coursework totaling a minimum of 60 hours
• Orton-Gillingham supervised practicum experience, teaching one-to-one, totaling 100 hours over a minimum period of eight months to one year
• 10 entire 40-60 minute lesson observations by a Fellow (onsite or unedited video)
• Evidence of completion of Academy-required readings at the Associate Level
• Associate Level members may tutor individuals using the Orton-Gillingham Approach while continuing to work with supervision by a Fellow.
• Persons contemplating application should begin by reading Notice to Applicant and then by proceeding to download the appropriate membership documents at http://www.ortonacademy.org/certification.php.

For those who wish to pursue certification at the Associate Level the charge for observations is $75 per observation. The observation includes a comprehensive write up with recommendations.

If you would like to learn more about the practicum, please email or call Val Neduha at 604.736.5575.

Instructor

Heather Redenbach is the Director of Language Instruction at Fraser Academy. Her background, combined with 33 years of experience as a multisensory language instructor, has allowed her to teach children with varying needs at all levels of the language continuum. As a Fellow of the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators, she has provided extensive teacher training, conducted workshops, and presented at various conferences in Canada and the United States.