$75.00   Includes Act 48, coffee and lunch

Public and Independent School Teachers, Parents, Tutors, and all interested in learning more about dyslexia

Kathleen Carlsen, M.Ed., CALT, QI, Director, 32° Masonic Learning Centers for Children, Philadelphia

9 – 9:45 a.m.
Welcome from SFS Head of School Timothy Madigan, Ph. D.
What is Dyslexia? This introduction includes specific definitions, national and local statistics, and a brief historical overview of research. It will dispel myths regarding dyslexia and summarize lifetime characteristics of an individual with dyslexia, including both strengths and challenges. It provides the background information for the following three sessions. Trent
9:45 – 11 a.m.
A Simulation: Put Yourself in the Shoes of a Person with Dyslexia As they rotate through five stations of this interactive workshop participants will experience first hand the daily challenges and frustrations encountered by an individual with a language-based learning disability. Simulations include decoding, comprehension, auditory processing, dysgraphia, visual-motor tasks. A debriefing and question and answer session follows the workshop rotations. Betsy Boston, Trent, Carlsen, Rivers
11- 11:15 a.m. Break
11: 15 a.m.  – 12:15 p.m. 
School Based Identification of Dyslexia Participants will learn the common signs and characteristics of a language-based learning disability in school-aged children. We will cover the basics of identifying children using a definition-based process, standardized measures, screening tools, and existing data.  Case studies will allow participants to recognize the characteristic profiles of these children and to make informed decisions regarding instruction. Carlsen
12:15 – 12:45 p.m. Lunch Break
1 – 2 p.m.
Evidence-Based Multisensory Treatments for a Specific Learning Disability The history and benefits of multisensory structured language programs and the commonality of their instructional techniques features will be reviewed. Their visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile approaches to improve phonological awareness will be demonstrated. There will be reviews of both the accredited MSL training programs offering certification in the Delaware Valley and their approving agencies: the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC), the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA), and the Alliance for Accreditation and Certification. Rivers
2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Multisensory Structured Language Training and Certification Programs in the Delaware Valley.
Attendees will hear presentations from four local training providers:
The Masonic Learning Centers for Children (IMSLEC member offers training and certification in Orton Gillingham. Locations in Philadelphia, Allentown, Harrisburg, Lancaster, and New Jersey)
Stratford Friends School Teacher Training Center (IMSLEC member offers training and certification in Alphabetic Phonics, Take Flight, Multisensory Reading Instructor Level 1 and Master Level, and training in Making Math Real in Havertown)
Academy In Manayunk (Wilson Partner School offers training in Wilson Programs, training and certification in Wilson Level I)
Delaware Valley Friends School (offers training in Orton-Gillingham)
Participants will learn about the benefits and requirements of each program. They will experience a brief overview and come away with techniques they may use in their classrooms.
Resources for IMSLEC approved non-certifying programs will be available.
2:45 – 3 p.m.
Wrap up and Q and A, Act 48 certificates distributed.