The Orton-Gillingham Approach to Teaching
Reading and Spelling

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Riverside’s Orton-Gillingham Associate Level Course is a 70-hour class taught from January through March. The coursework is designed to increase understanding of dyslexia, to offer in-depth knowledge about the O-G Approach, and to assist educators and parents working with children with dyslexia or other language-based learning differences.

 

Join the Waitlist for Riverside’s 2026 OGA Associate Class

 

Our OGA Associate Level class includes instruction in the following:

 

-the principles of the O-G Approach, including its multisensory procedures

 

-the definition, diagnosis, and signs of dyslexia

 

-the reading brain and literacy acquisition

 

-phonology and all aspects of phonological awareness

 

-the structure of language and how to teach it, including syllable patterns, syllabication principles, and morphology

 

-decoding, fluency, and reading comprehension

 

-cursive handwriting instruction and rationale

 

-syllable pattern spelling, spelling generalizations, and spelling rules

 

-formal assessment terminology, scores, and implications for instruction

 

-informal assessment administration and analysis for planning instruction

 

-the components of an O-G lesson plan and how to use error analysis for diagnostic and prescriptive planning

 

Course Dates and Times: Select Wednesdays and Saturdays in early 2025. See below for specifics

 

Location: In person at Riverside School

 

Course instructors:
         Cynthia Davis, F/OGA
         Charice Myers, FIT/OGA
         Leda Spencer, FIT/OGA
         Ann-Marie Lundmark, FIT/OGA

 

Prerequisite: This is a graduate level course—an undergraduate degree (of any kind) is required for registration

 

Cost: $1,900 (Riverside will reimburse the cost of the class for those who are hired by the school for 2025-26)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winter 2025 Class Details

 

The 70 hours include:

 

54 in-class hours that are whole-group focused and include hands-on activities and pair practice.

 

10 asynchronous hours that you may complete at home between sessions via video. These sessions will prepare you for in-class discussion.

 

6 applied practice hours which are provided to deepen your understanding of the O-G approach. Small groups of three will work with a Mentor Teacher to practice the O-G approach with a Riverside ‘Model Student.’

In addition to the 70 hours, there is homework: reading and response, quizzes, and other assignments such as diagnostic and prescriptive lesson plan writing practice.

 

 

 

 

Class dates and meeting times- all held in person at Riverside School 

 

 

 

 

 

What did former class members have to say about our course?

 

“As an experienced Reading Specialist, Regular Ed., and Special Ed. teacher, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I still had to learn. The course exceeded my expectations and I look forward to practicing these techniques with my students.”

 

“I found the course so interesting and the quality of instruction was very high. I am taking away valuable knowledge that I will be able to use in the classroom setting and a completely new understanding of Dyslexia. I wish all educators could have this opportunity.”

 

“I was blown away with the teachers. They were able to provide a great deal of content in an easy-to-understand format. They presented in a high energy fashion which made the time move quickly. In addition, they provided many opportunities to practice new skills.”

 

“I would say that this class is definitely a commitment, but the time you spend is absolutely worth it. I cannot tell you how much I have learned from this class. It was simply amazing. I would highly recommend to my colleagues.”

 

“Everything was well done. I learned something each day and felt energized and excited to move forward. I learned more in this class than I did in practically my entire master’s program. Thank you!”

 

 

 

 

Interested in Certification?

 

Riverside School hosts one of 19 OGA Accredited Training Programs in the country.

~ This class does not certify you, but it provides the 70 hours of coursework required for certification, and it prepares you for the practicum that is required for Certification.

 

~ After completing all 70 hours of coursework, individuals interested in pursuing Associate Level Certification with the Academy may contact Cynthia Davis, Riverside School’s Fellow of Record for her availability to supervise the 100-hour, 8 to12 month Associate Practicum required for certification. Normally the cost of this practicum is covered by tutoring fees paid by the family of the practicum student.  Associate Certification Practicum Information

 

~ For more information about the Orton-Gillingham Approach and O-G Certification, please visit the Orton-Gillingham website at: www.ortonacademy.org.

 

 

 

 

What can I expect for class cost, payment, and the application/registration process?

 

Cost of the class is $1,900.  This covers everything you need for class, unless you plan to print electronic resources such as PowerPoint handouts. Class members will have access to a wide variety of Riverside School O-G wordlists, games, posters, and other resources that may be used for lesson planning in Applied Practice and beyond!

 

~ Unfortunately, we are rarely able to admit everyone who applies to the class. Therefore, completion of the application is only the first step to admission.

 

~ We are looking to form a diverse class of curious and motivated learners who can prioritize the rigorous demands of the class and whose primary goal is to gain knowledge and skill for teaching those with dyslexia.

 

~ Directly after you apply, you will receive an email with a copy of your application. This email will allow you to edit your application if desired.

 

~ We will read all applications in the order they are received. You will receive an e-mail regarding your admission to class within two weeks of your application.  At that time, you will receive information about making your reservation payment.

~ An initial non-refundable reservation payment of $400 is due within one week after you receive an e-mail of acceptance to the class and guarantees your spot in the class. If the $400 is not paid within a week of your acceptance, Riverside will open your spot to individuals on the waiting list.

 

~ The remaining balance of $1,500 is due prior to December 13th at 5 p.m. If the $1,500 is not paid by this deadline, Riverside will open your spot to individuals on the waiting list.