Center for Dyslexia Studies

Structured Literacy/Orton Gillingham

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a variety of programs that train teachers in the use of the Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching structured literacy. An extensive supervised practicum is an essential component of each program.

Convenient Delivery Options

  • FDU Metropolitan Campus
  • Select School Districts Statewide
  • Five NJ Children’s Dyslexia Centers
  • Online (Limited Availability)

Our program is New Jersey’s only university program accredited by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC) and only one of 18 university programs accredited by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA).

This is what our graduates have to say:

  • “The training in explicit instruction for phonics provides me with tons to support my students. The instructors are professional, knowledgeable and supportive. They are excellent in guiding adult learners with patience and humor. It is a privilege to study with this extraordinary staff.”
  • “This the most wonderful use of our time. I use every lesson technique with my students. My students “eat up” the skills. This is a terrific style of learning. A must learn for every teacher.”
  • “This program is beneficial as you learn as you go. Planning weekly for students and watching the progress in front of your eyes. It’s amazing. The growth that my students have at the FDU clinic motivates me to impact the students in my district.”
  • “Thus far, this program has tremendously informed my literacy instruction. My phonics instruction has improved greatly. I teach second grade and my students are truly benefiting from the strategies I have learned and show them. I think all elementary teachers need this training!”
  • “Since I began this program, I have added many OG elements to my phonics and reading instruction. This has greatly benefited my students.”

Admission Requirements

  • A bachelor’s or a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum grade point ratio of 3.00 (out of a possible 4.00) in undergraduate or graduate work.

Orton-Gillingham Dyslexia Specialist Training Programs

The Dyslexia Specialist Certificate Program consists of programs tailored for general education teachers and teachers of special education who wish to develop expertise in the Orton Gillingham approach to teaching structured literacy, with an emphasis on explicit phonics instruction and with the use of multisensory strategies. Accredited by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC) and the International Dyslexia Association (IDA)these programs provide teachers with a basic framework within which they can adapt instructional sequences to the specific needs of students with reading disabilities.

The following certificates are offered:

Accreditations

IMSLEC: International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council
IDA: International Dyslexia Association