Courses, Events, & Resources

Dates: October 23, 24, 25 & November 7, 8
Time:  9:00 am-4:00 pm EST
Instructor: Laurie J. Cousseau, ATF/AOGPE, CALT, IDA CDT, MA Reading, Licensed Reading Specialist K-12
Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
Cost: $1595

***This course will only be available virtually. 

Course Description:

This 36-hour course meets the requirements for Orton-Gillingham Classroom Educator designation with the AOGPE. It is the first step in preparing teachers to use the OG approach in the classroom setting and allows teachers to use direct instruction to bring a multi-sensory, structured, and linguistic phonics-based approach into the mainstream classroom. The curriculum includes: dyslexia and reading disorders; the rationale of the OG approach; phonological awareness, phonics, syllable division patterns, and spelling; elements of multisensory instruction, diagnostic-prescriptive teaching, and lesson planning; and AOGPE membership structure and requirements.

*This course does not include the practicum, which is required for Academy membership at the Classroom Educator Level; the practicum can be arranged for an additional fee.

Note: The order of topics is approximate. Some topics will fill more than one session; others will be developed throughout the course. Videos will be included where appropriate.

Course Expectations: Complete attendance and active participation; summaries of readings will be required in order for participants to apply at the Classroom Educator level of the AOGPE but will not be required during the five-day course. Although the course is ungraded, expect daily quizzes, review, and lesson plan activities.

Register Here

Dates: Fridays
2020: September 11, October 2, October 30, November 20, December 11, 
2021: January 8, January 29, February 26, March 5, March 19, April 23, May 7, June 4 (Make-Up Day)
Time:  1:00-4:00 pm EST
Instructor: Theresa Collins, MS, ATF/AOGPE, CDT/IDA
Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
Cost: $1595

***This course will only be available virtually. 

Course Description:

The Associate Level coursework is designed to hone the trainee's ability to provide diagnostic and prescriptive instruction in a one-to-one remedial setting. In addition, it exposes the trainee to more sophisticated levels of language instruction than can be provided in the Classroom Educator course.

The Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators (AOGPE) requires a total of 60 hours of coursework at the Associate Level. Trainees who have already taken Classwork Educator have met the first half of that requirement.  This 36-hour follow-up course will exceed the Academy's requirements for Associate Level coursework.

Associate Part II coursework will include but is not limited to:  morphology; assessment, both formal and informal; vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency; and the writing process. An additional emphasis will be on developing lesson plans and student profiles in preparation for the trainee's application to the AOGPE at the Associate Level.

***This course does NOT include the practicum, which is required for Academy membership at the Associate Level.  The practicum can be arranged for an additional fee.

Curriculum: AOGPE Associate Level guidelines

Note: The order of topics is approximate.  Some topics will fill more than one session; others will be developed throughout the course.  Videos will be included where appropriate.

Course Expectations:  Complete attendance and active participation; summaries of readings will be required in order for participants to apply at the Classroom Educator level of the AOGPE but will not be required during the five-day course.  Although the course is ungraded, expect daily quizzes, review, and lesson plan activities.

Register Here

Dates: Tuesdays  
2020: September 15, October 13, November 10, December 1, December 15, 
2021: January 12, February 9, March 9, March 30, April 27, May 11, May 25 (Make-Up Day), June 8
Time:  4:00-7:00 pm
Instructor: Theresa Collins, MS, ATF/AOGPE, CDT/IDA
Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
Cost: $1595

***This course will only be available virtually. 

Course Description:

The Certified Level coursework is designed to expand and deepen the trainee's Associate knowledge base.  This 36-hour course will further develop the trainee’s understanding of facets of dyslexia, such as its neurobiological underpinnings, the history of literacy education and impact of current public school practices on the dyslexic learner, and dyslexia’s effects over the lifespan.  Participants will review phonological concepts as needed and hone their ability to use multisensory strategies to teach comprehension and writing. They will explore ways to incorporate study skills, self-advocacy skills, and organizational skills in their lessons.  Broadening their awareness of programs and materials derived from the Orton-Gillingham approach will allow them to work with students who have already received intervention through those programs and to make informed decisions about incorporating program materials in their own lessons.  

Participants will continue to expand their knowledge of formal and informal assessments and practice interpreting test results to craft student profiles and diagnostic and prescriptive lesson plans in preparation for their Certified Level applications.  

This course does NOT include the practicum, which is required for Academy membership at the Certified Level.  The Practicum can be arranged for an additional fee.        

Note:  The order of topics is approximate.  Some topics will fill more than one session; others will be developed throughout the course.  Videos will be included where appropriate.

Course Expectations:  Complete attendance and active participation; summaries of readings will be required in order for participants to apply at the Classroom Educator level of the AOGPE but will not be required during the five-day course.  Although the course is ungraded, expect daily quizzes, review, and lesson plan activities.

Register Here

The Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA) places great value on the mentorship model, which involves the application of information and teaching skills acquired through the formal coursework.  The practicum includes: ongoing support by the Supervising Fellow; observations of the trainee teaching complete lessons in a variety of settings; written and verbal feedback after the observations; completion of required readings; development of a teaching portfolio; and support for the application to the OGA for certification. Participants will also be encouraged to participate in ongoing coursework and professional development through attending additional course offerings at the Southport CoLab.  Teachers who are already working in school environments are welcome to complete their practicums within their home school environments; teachers working in private practice may complete their practicums in their own teaching sites.  Observations may be conducted onsite or remotely, depending on individual circumstances.  The OGA has set specific guidelines for the practicums at each level of membership to ensure that the teacher is competent to instruct using the Orton-Gillingham Approach.  More information about those requirements can be found on the OGA website:  https://www.ortonacademy.org/.

Cost: $2,750

**all observations will be done virtually during the 2020-2021 school year. 

Please fill out the survey below. We will respond within a weeks time.

Date: Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Time: 4:00-4:30 pm
Presenter: Jessica Wilkes, Music Director, The Southport School
Cost: $19

Description: Develop an understanding of how to utilize 3 important executive functions in the music classroom. In this Webinar, you will learn ways in which Executive Functioning will help maximize instruction time, minimize distractions, all with the end goal of having more musical moments linked to the National Core Arts Standards. 

Register Here

Date: Thursday, December 10, 2020
Time: 4:00-4:30 pm
Presenter: Jessica Wilkes, Music Director, The Southport School
Cost: $19

Description: Develop an understanding of positive reinforcement and mindful language in lessons that encourage performing, responding, connecting, and creating in the music classroom. We will explore ways in which your role can foster an inclusive music classroom...open to all minds of creativity and exploration.

Register Here

Dates: Wednesday, January 20th and Wednesday, January 27th
Time:  8:00 am-3:00 pm EST
Instructor: Laurie J. Cousseau, ATF/AOGPE, CALT, IDA CDT, MA Reading, Licensed Reading Specialist K-12
Cost: $448

**This course will only be available virtually.

**The cost of the course includes materials.

Description: This two-day intensive professional development workshop is designed for K-2nd grade educators to gain a deep understanding of early indicators of reading difficulty, insight into the learner struggling with reading acquisition, exposure to the underpinnings of literacy instruction, an overview of phonics, practice with multi-sensory diagnostic and prescriptive modes of instruction to support struggling readers, and criteria referenced progress monitoring.

This course, designed for classroom educators, para-educators, specialists, and special educators, working with students in K-2nd grade, affords participants the opportunity to additionally deepen their understanding of the five components of reading as identified by the National Reading Panel in 2000.

While this workshop is based upon research, the two days will focus on the practical aspects of teaching students to read and participants will gain a toolbox of games, activities, and strategies to take back to their classrooms including digital resources and, make and take activities.

• Registration for this virtual workshop will close 2 weeks prior to the first class in order to ensure materials are received in time. 
• Payment is required prior to the workshop beginning. If a school is paying, please send the PO to Suzanne Lang at slang@southportcolab.org.
• Those who complete the workshop will receive a certificate for 12 hours.

REgister Here

Date: Thursday, January 21, 2021
Time: 4:00-5:30 PM EST 
Instructors: Jeffrey Ruggiero and Sharon Plante
Cost: $68

Description: Executive Functioning (EF) plays a part in all of our lives. They help us to regulate emotions, get organized, stay on task, shift from one thing to another, and much more. As children develop, they gain Executive Function skills. Yet, we all, even as adults, sometimes struggle with certain EFs. Learn about EF and how you can help reinforce and support your child’s EF growth, especially during distance learning.

Register Here

Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Time: 4:00-5:30 PM EST 
Instructors: Jeffrey Ruggiero and Sharon Plante
Cost: $68
Location: Virtual

Description: Learn the basics of Executive Functions, what the brain research tells us, and how they affect your students. Gain practical strategies and learn about technologies that can help you to better support all of your students both in the classroom and during distance learning. 

Those who complete the workshop will receive a certificate for 1.5 hours.

Register Here

*If your school district will be paying, please reach out to Suzanne Lang (slang@southportcolab.org). All district payments need to be received at least 5 business days prior to the start of the course.

Dates: Friday, February 26, Saturday, February 27, Sunday, February 28, Saturday, March 6, & Sunday, March 7 
Times: 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM
Instructor: Laurie J. Cousseau
Cost: $1,595 
Location: Virtual

Description: The Associate Level coursework is designed to hone the trainee's ability to provide diagnostic and prescriptive instruction in a one-to-one remedial setting. In addition, it exposes the trainee to more sophisticated levels of language instruction than can be provided in the Classroom Educator course.

The Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators (AOGPE) requires a total of 60 hours of coursework at the Associate Level. Trainees who have already taken Classwork Educator have met the first half of that requirement.  This 36-hour follow-up course will exceed the Academy's requirements for Associate Level coursework.

Associate Part II coursework will include but is not limited to morphology; assessment, both formal and informal; vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency; and the writing process. An additional emphasis will be on developing lesson plans and student profiles in preparation for the trainee's application to the AOGPE at the Associate Level.

***This course does NOT include the practicum, which is required for Academy membership at the Associate Level.  The practicum can be arranged for an additional fee.

Curriculum: AOGPE Associate Level guidelines

Note: The order of topics is approximate.  Some topics will fill more than one session; others will be developed throughout the course.  Videos will be included where appropriate.

Those who complete the course will receive a certificate for 36 hours.

Register Here

If your school district will be paying, please reach out to Suzanne Lang (slang@southportcolab.org). All district payments need to be received at least 5 business days prior to the start of the course. 

***Unfortunately, free registration through the CoLAB is closed. If you would like to attend by supporting The Dyslexia Foundation you can do so here. 

Date: Friday, October 16, 2020

Time: 8:25 AM- 3:15 PM

This fall's conference will be held Virtually - Streaming live from the MGH Institute of Health Professionals.

This fall's Dyslexia and Literacy Conference focusing on Executive Functions: Oral Language Connections to Reading and Writing, is designed for teachers, practitioners, and parents to help them learn to identify, understand, and provide evidence-based instruction for students who have dyslexia and anxiety. The focus of these discussions will be for school-age students.

This will be a virtual simulcast & a Zoom link will be sent prior to the event.

***Unfortunately, free registration through the CoLAB is closed. If you would like to attend by supporting The Dyslexia Foundation you can do so here. 

Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Time: 7:00 pm- 8:30 pm EST

Description: A false assumption about what it takes to be a skilled reader has created deep inequalities among U.S. children, putting many on a difficult path in life. 

Children throughout the country have lost precious learning during the pandemic. The “Corona Slide” is expected to lead to a 30% loss in learning compared to a normal school year. The children who are most vulnerable, those with disabilities and/or living in low socioeconomic households, will have lost the most. 

Join this roundtable discussion to hear about what’s causing the slide, how our most vulnerable children have been impacted during these unprecedented times, and how we might begin to mitigate its consequences moving forward. 

Panelists:  Collette Fearon, Elementary Principal, New Beginnings Family Academy
                          Margie Gillis, EdD, President & Founder, Literacy How
                          Emily Hanford, Senior Education Correspondent, AMP Reports
                          Dr. Fumiko Hoeft, MD PhD, University of Connecticut
                          Dr. Julie Washington, PhD, Georgia State University
                          Suzanne Lang, Director, The Southport CoLAB (Moderator)

REgister Here