Since 1951, licensed teachers (regular education, special education, ELL, reading, speech/language, and Title 1), paraprofessionals, home educators, parents, and even grandparents have taken our training courses, which are designed to help those who struggle unexpectedly learning to read, write, and spell.
The Orton-Gillingham Approach, as taught by highly qualified Reading Center instructors, employs comprehensive, scientifically based reading instruction. During the Institutes, participants will learn the approach, the structure of the English language, and apply what's been learned by planning and teaching actual lessons. The training is intense but extremely valuable and life-changing. Allow time in your schedule for a training of this magnitude.
NOTE: The specific times listed are a placeholder. The theory portion of the course is completed asynchronously, whenever you can fit it into your weekly schedule. The only synchronous element is the Practicum, in which you will meet for 1 - 6.5 hours per week (depending on the week) with your Instructor and Student.
Trainees in Basic Training Institute are provided with:
- An awareness of visual & auditory drills
- An opportunity to begin to learn the basic phonetic/ linguistic structure of English
- Hands-on in class practice, plus planning and teaching actual lessons with a student
Trainees successfully completing Basic Training Institute (with practicum) are equipped to begin providing this approach with struggling students in grades 1-5.
This is a 120-hour course that includes supervised practicum with a student.
Online Training
The Reading Center's training program has a national reputation for its rigor and quality, with a substantial practicum applying what you learn with a struggling reader. The 120 hour course is spread out over 12 weeks, and broken down into 12 modules. This is largely a 1:1 training and trainees will meet regularly online with a Practicum Instructor throughout the course. Online trainees print their own materials from work or home.
Student Practicum
During the Reading Center’s online training, each trainee will experience a virtual practicum in which three individuals will be on the computer at one time. This includes Trainee, assigned Reading Center Practicum Instructor, and your Practicum Student. The virtual practicum will take place using the WebEx platform. All practicum students are secured by you and by your Practicum Instructor.
Technology
Minimum technology requirements for online training with virtual practicum include a headset, desktop/laptop with camera and microphone, high-speed, reliable internet connection, and printer. For online training without virtual practicum, you will need the previously mentioned technology requirements plus video recording equipment for practicum sessions. Please note that a Windows based computer is preferred over a MAC when using the WebEx software.
Graduate Credits
Graduate credits are available through Minnesota State University - Moorhead. You must have a four-year degree in order to apply for graduate credits. Graduate course credit is in addition to course tuition and is the responsibility of the student. Six credits are available for an additional fee to the university.
Certificate of Completion
A certificate of successful completion will be presented to those who satisfactorily complete the required coursework and pass the examinations.
Payment
Full payment for classes is due upon receipt of an invoice from The Reading Center. Limited scholarships and payment plans are available. Minnesota residents are invited to use the coupon code, MNRES at checkout to apply the Minnesota Resident Discount.
The Reading Center reserves the right to cancel (and refund tuition) for classes if not enough registrations are received.