Certificate in Orton-Gillingham Reading Approach

Intensive Phonics-based Instruction

The Orton-Gillingham reading approach incorporates intensive phonics-based instruction with  specific teaching methodology. It is an approach often recommended for school-age and adult learners who are nonreaders or who have reading or writing language skill disabilities. Educators who have mastered this approach are most likely to become master educators of other reading techniques.

The Orton-Gillingham approach is language-based, multi-sensory, structured, sequential, cumulative, cognitive, and flexible. Its breadth, perspective, and flexibility prompt use of the term approach instead of method.

St. Thomas prepares professional, effective educators in special education with traditional coursework and a practicum in a real-world educational setting.

The St. Thomas Difference

Courses for the Orton-Gillingham Reading Approach Certificate program are conveniently scheduled late afternoons or evenings, summer days and summer evenings.

This certificate is offered to educators who will complete specific coursework and practicum experiences in the Orton-Gillingham approach. In order to qualify for this certificate, students complete four courses, including a practicum experience. This work exposes students to more than 25 hours of classroom instruction in the Orton-Gillingham approach and 100 hours of supervised field experience. This certificate is not the equivalent of a Minnesota reading license.

Special education professionals are prepared to:

• Address current literature and issues in special education and gifted education.
• Implement appropriate evaluation and due process standards.
• Design, field test and evaluate research-based instructional strategies and methodologies leading to specially designed instruction.
• Provide direct service and consultation.
• Work as partners with families.
• Collaborate with professionals across disciplines.
• Collaborate with family agencies, community services and professional organizations.