Top 3 best options for Orton-Gillingham training

In the world of education, where the quest to unlock every student’s full potential is an unceasing endeavor, specialized teaching approaches are often the keys to success. The Orton-Gillingham method stands as a beacon of hope for individuals facing challenges in reading and language skills, particularly those with dyslexia. Its structured, multisensory approach has proven time and again to be a game-changer, offering tailored instruction that can unlock the door to literacy for countless learners. In this article, we will explore the top three options for Orton-Gillingham training to guide aspiring educators, current teachers, and dedicated specialists on their path to becoming proficient Orton-Gillingham practitioners.

What is Orton-Gillingham training?

Orton-Gillingham (OG) training is a comprehensive, multisensory approach to teaching reading, particularly designed for learners with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. Rooted in the science of reading, the Orton-Gillingham approach emphasizes phonemic awareness, phonics, morphology, and structured literacy. The training equips educators to deliver instruction in a way that is direct, explicit, sequential, and tailored to individual learner needs.

What Orton-Gillingham training isn’t

While OG (Orton-Gillingham) training undoubtedly excels in providing effective phonemic-based reading instruction, it’s important to understand that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution for all learners. This approach demands a significant commitment from both educators and students. The process involves rigorous coursework that delves into the intricacies of language and reading, ensuring that instructors have a deep understanding of the method. Furthermore, supervised practicum experiences are essential to apply the principles learned in a real-world setting, enabling educators to gain practical expertise and refine their instructional techniques.

Benefits of Orton-Gillingham training

For educators working with struggling readers, especially those with dyslexia, OG training provides a solid foundation in the principles and techniques that make reading instruction effective. The training offers a depth of understanding that translates to improved outcomes for learners. Let’s delve into the world of Orton-Gillingham training specifically focusing on the remarkable benefits it offers.

• Effective dyslexia remediation: Orton-Gillingham is widely recognized as one of the most effective methods for remediating dyslexia, a learning disability that affects reading and language processing. It equips instructors with the tools to systematically address the specific challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia, enabling them to make significant reading progress.
• Individualized instruction: Orton-Gillingham is inherently flexible and personalized, allowing educators to tailor their instruction to the unique needs of each learner. This individualization ensures that students receive targeted support and can progress at their own pace.
• Multisensory instruction: Orton-Gillingham incorporates multiple senses, engaging visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modalities. This approach enhances memory retention and comprehension by reinforcing learning through various sensory channels.
• Structured and sequential: Orton-Gillingham follows a systematic, structured, and sequential approach to teaching reading and spelling. This organized framework provides a clear path for students to build a solid foundation in language skills.
• Explicit phonics instruction: The method places a strong emphasis on phonics and phonemic awareness, breaking down language into its smallest components. Students learn to understand the relationship between letters and sounds, which is crucial for reading and spelling.
• Improved literacy outcomes: Orton-Gillingham consistently leads to improved literacy outcomes for students. They develop strong decoding skills, sight word recognition, and improved fluency, which are essential for proficient reading and writing.
• Empowerment and independence: Orton-Gillingham equips students with the tools they need to become independent readers and writers. They no longer feel hindered by their reading difficulties and can engage with text in a meaningful way.
• Versatile for various ages: Orton-Gillingham can be applied to learners of all ages, from young children to adults. It’s suitable for individuals at various stages of literacy development, making it a valuable resource for lifelong learning.

• Preventative approach: Some educators use Orton-Gillingham to prevent reading difficulties in at-risk populations. Early intervention using this method can help identify and address potential reading challenges before they become more pronounced.
• Increased career opportunities: For educators and specialists, becoming trained in Orton-Gillingham can open up new career opportunities, as there is a growing demand for qualified instructors in this field.

OG Training or certification: What’s the difference?

While OG training courses equip educators with the necessary skills, OG certification involves further validation through a practicum, coursework, and assessment, certifying the educator’s proficiency at varying levels (e.g., Classroom Educator, Associate Level, Certified Level, Fellow).

The best options for Orton-Gillingham training

When it comes to Orton-Gillingham (OG) training, finding the best options is paramount for educators and professionals looking to enhance their expertise in phonemic-based reading instruction. In this guide, we will explore the three top OG courses for Orton-Gillingham training, equipping Orton-Gillingham classroom educators with the knowledge and resources needed to excel in this specialized field of literacy education.

Orton-Gillingham Academy (Formerly AOGPE)

With a strong affiliation to the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators (AOGPE), the Orton-Gillingham Academy is a trusted source for comprehensive Orton-Gillingham training. They offer a diverse range of training options, including webinars, in-person courses, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and opportunities for professional development. Whether you’re a classroom educator looking to integrate Orton-Gillingham techniques into your teaching or a seasoned specialist seeking to reach the Fellow level of expertise, the Orton-Gillingham Academy caters to a wide spectrum of needs, ensuring that you receive training that aligns with your professional goals and aspirations.

Neuhaus Education Center

The Neuhaus Education Center is renowned for its commitment to equipping educators with the tools to support students with dyslexia. Their training programs place a strong emphasis on multisensory techniques and small group instruction, reflecting the principle that tailored, individualized support is paramount for students with reading difficulties. What sets Neuhaus Education Center apart is its accreditation by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), underlining their dedication to evidence-based practices and the highest standards in dyslexia intervention. This makes their training a reliable choice for educators and specialists looking to make a significant impact on students’ reading abilities.

AIM Institute for Learning and Research

The AIM Institute for Learning and Research offers distinctive Orton-Gillingham training programs with a focus on tailoring the learning experience for both classroom teachers and specialists. Their courses stand out with their robust emphasis on the science of reading, ensuring that educators develop a deep understanding of the foundational principles behind effective literacy instruction. By offering specialized Orton-Gillingham course options that cater to various educational roles, AIM Institute empowers professionals to become well-versed in the art and science of teaching reading, benefiting learners with dyslexia and other reading challenges. This approach makes AIM Institute a valuable choice for those seeking comprehensive Orton-Gillingham training with a strong foundation in the science of reading.

The best options for Orton-Gillingham certification

Obtaining certification in Orton-Gillingham is a crucial step for educators and professionals seeking to specialize in phonemic-based reading instruction. The Orton-Gillingham approach is renowned for its effectiveness in helping individuals with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. Let’s explore the top options for Orton-Gillingham certification programs, offering valuable insights into the most reputable and comprehensive pathways to become a certified Orton-Gillingham instructor.

The Apple Group for Dyslexia

The Apple Group for Dyslexia is a notable option for those seeking Orton-Gillingham (OG) certification and comprehensive training. Their courses are designed to equip educators with the expertise to effectively support individuals with dyslexia. What sets them apart is the emphasis on prerequisite knowledge, ensuring that participants have a strong foundation before delving into the intricacies of the OG approach. This approach provides a well-rounded learning experience, making it a valuable choice for educators aiming to master OG techniques.

Lexercise

Lexercise is an online platform that stands out for offering structured literacy training and certification with a strong emphasis on the OG approach. Their training programs are designed to help educators, tutors, and specialists become proficient in providing effective literacy intervention. The online format makes Lexercise a flexible and accessible choice for those looking to develop their expertise in OG methodology while emphasizing structured literacy.

Wilson Reading System

The Wilson Reading System is a well-recognized name in the field of structured reading instruction, particularly for older learners. Their training programs are designed to address the needs of individuals who may have missed out on foundational reading skills. With a focus on structured literacy, Wilson Reading System provides educators with the tools to empower students, even at later stages of their academic journey.

IMSLEC (International Multisensory Structured Literacy Education Council)

IMSLEC is a trusted organization that provides accreditation for training programs aligned with OG principles. Educators and specialists seeking comprehensive training can look to IMSLEC-accredited programs for a mark of quality. This accreditation ensures that training programs meet the rigorous standards set by IMSLEC, emphasizing multisensory and structured literacy instruction.

AIM Institute for Learning and Research

Beyond offering Orton-Gillingham (OG) training, AIM Institute for Learning and Research provides certification, adding an extra layer of expertise to educators’ skillsets. Their programs are tailored to both classroom teachers and specialists and place a robust emphasis on the science of reading. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants not only become proficient in OG but also gain a deep understanding of the fundamental principles that underpin effective literacy instruction.

LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling)

LETRS is widely respected for its unwavering focus on the science of reading. It provides educators with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the English language and reading. LETRS training equips educators with the knowledge needed to address the diverse needs of learners with reading difficulties, making it a valuable resource for evidence-based literacy instruction.

Institute for Multisensory Education (IMSE)

IMSE provides Orton-Gillingham (OG) certification with a strong emphasis on the in-person practicum. Their programs focus on ensuring that educators not only understand the methodology but can effectively apply it in real teaching situations. IMSE’s hands-on approach makes it a practical choice for educators looking to gain proficiency in OG while gaining practical experience.

Additional tips for helping struggling readers learn in the classroom and at home

Supporting struggling readers in both classroom and home environments is a multifaceted challenge that goes beyond a single teaching method. While the Orton-Gillingham approach is highly effective for many, there are additional strategies and tips that can make a significant difference in fostering literacy skills among struggling readers, including:

Small Group instruction

Small group instruction is a highly effective strategy for helping struggling readers. It allows educators to provide targeted, individualized support, focusing on specific areas of need for each student. Small group instruction not only maximizes the impact of teaching but also fosters a supportive learning environment where students can engage with their peers and share their progress.

Cloze activities

Cloze activities are an effective way to engage struggling readers in the learning process. In these exercises, words are partially omitted from a text, and students are tasked with filling in the blanks with the correct words. Cloze activities encourage active participation, improve comprehension, enhance vocabulary and enable educators to target specific reading difficulties.

Text to speech

Text to speech technology is a powerful tool that can aid struggling readers by converting written text into spoken words. It offers a valuable assistive technology approach that facilitates reading and comprehension. Text to speech apps not only provide access to content that might otherwise be inaccessible but also offer a model for accurate pronunciation and fluency.

Speechify – #1 app for dyslexic students

Speechify is the #1 app for dyslexic students, offering a game-changing approach to accessibility in education. Speechify can convert any digital or physical text into speech thanks to its advanced TTS and OCR technology. With features like text highlighting, speed controls, and a diverse range of humanlike voices across various accents and languages, Speechify empowers dyslexic students to access, comprehend, and retain written content more easily. Additionally, Speechify is an invaluable tool for implementing the Orton-Gillingham approach, providing crisp and clear pronunciation that gives learners support in phonemic-based reading instruction, making it a truly indispensable resource for educators and students alike. Try Speechify for free today and level up your reading experience.

FAQ

Is there an Orton-Gillingham curriculum?

The Orton-Gillingham lesson plans include a curriculum, but the OG approach itself isn’t a curriculum.

How many Orton-Gillingham programs are there?

There are many different OGA programs that include different lesson plans and offer different instruction materials.

How long does it take to complete Orton-Gillingham?

OG usually takes anywhere from 18 to 36 months.

What is the difference between Orton-Gillingham and other reading programs?

The Orton-Gillingham program is extremely systematic, so its rich structure sets it apart from similar programs. Additionally, there are other types of OG programs, such as the Barton and Wilson reading systems, which are also available to adolescents.

What is the cost of Orton-Gillingham?

The cost of the extended practicum is usually around $5000, and the training that makes you qualified for a Orton-Gillingham Academy Certified Level Certification costs around $10,500 and there’s also an application fee.

How can educators stay up to date on reading methods?

To remain effective in helping struggling readers, educators should attend professional development sessions, webinars, and refresher courses.