Why Study Orton-Gillingham for the Classroom?
To Provide Best First Teaching for ALL Students!
"Best first teaching' means that students are receiving evidence-informed instruction based on practices that have demonstrated effectiveness in research. While Dr Orton and Anna Gillingham developed their methods a long time ago, they were definitely ahead of their time. Research in literacy and cognition have validated many aspects the OG approach. There is also a time-tested body of knowledge derived from the success of its practitioners. It is critical that students get 'best first teaching' to build strong literacy skills for future academic work. This also then acts as a 'preventative' by ensuring quality instruction and learning initially, rather than providing remediation and intervention later on.
Classroom Educator Coursework & Practicum
OGCE training (30 hours) provides the necessary theory in the OG approach and lesson plan, as well as a grounding in 'science of reading' and structured literacy. The practical tools and strategies to teach an OG lesson in small groups and/or in the general classroom setting are also included.
Topics in the Classroom Educator training include: Reading Acquisition (Phonological Awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary, Fluency, Comprehension); Structure of the English Language (intro to linguistics); OG approach and lesson plan.
A 'Supervised Practicum' is an optional part of the OGCE experience and a mandatory part of the application to the Academy at this level. The Practicum is 50 hours of supervised teaching, with a total of five submitted observations. This involves in-depth review, with feedback, of lesson plans, teaching strategy, and mentoring. It is arranged, at an additional fee, subsequent to the successful completion of the coursework.
The OGCE level does not prepare trainees for teaching in special education or remedial settings (ex: Tier 2 and above: student with dyslexia or learning disabilities in 1:1 or small groups).
OGCE coursework is considered 'Associate Part 1' and the pre-requisite for Associate Level training. Completing 'Associate Part 2' provides the additional training required to teach an OG lesson in special education / remedial settings.
Upcoming Classroom Educator Trainings
Winter - 2023
Mondays (6:00pm-8:30pm): Jan 9, 16, 23, 30; Feb 6, 13
Saturdays (8:00am-2:30pm): Jan 14, Feb 4
*There is an additional three hours of asynchronous tasks.
Spring - 2023
Mondays (6:00pm-8:30pm): March 6, 20, 27; April 3, 17, 24
Saturdays (8:00am-2:30pm): March 4, April 15
*There is an additional three hours of asynchronous tasks.
Summer - 2023
-July session: Mon-Thurs (10-13), 8:30am-4:30pm
-August session: Mon-Thurs (July31-Aug3), 8:30am-4:30pm
Application - Registration - Payment
To apply for a session:
- Fill out the Application for the desired session (links below).
- Email completed Application.
- Send the non-refundable deposit of $100 through e-transfer.
- Your application will be reviewed and you will notified regarding its acceptance.
*Note: Further details for application, registration and payment are explained in the 'Application'. Please read them carefully to ensure a complete application.
Training Investment: $1,050 + HST