Dyslexia and the Science of Reading

• Bachelor's degree
• Two years teaching experience, or be enrolled in a Master’s Program in Education or Psychology

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The certificate will equip all educators with the skills to identify and help remediate early signs of children at-risk for dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. 

The program is five semesters, requiring a commitment of two years of study. The first academic year and one summer session include the foundations, assessment, and methods courses. The second academic year includes the supervised practicum. This is a two-semester practicum, typically conducted in the participant’s own classroom.

Upon completion of the program, participants will be able to:

• Understand variations in the processing and development of the various elements of language and literacy
• Identify current theory and practice in the assessment of reading, language development, and literacy
• Identify the key elements of multisensory, explicit, structured literacy instruction
• Directly and explicitly teach students how to write sentences and expository paragraphs
• Apply strategies to implement the reading-writing connection
• Create lesson plans that apply their understanding of diagnostic, prescriptive teaching, using an explicit, structured literacy approach

This certificate is a total of 16 credit hours. 

• Courses included are Foundations of Literacy, Assessment, Multisensory Structured Literacy Methods, Expository Writing, and a yearlong mentored practicum experience. 

To view the course descriptions on our online Course Catalog

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What are the requirements to apply?

• In addition to meeting the Manhattanville College admission requirements, candidates must have two years teaching experience or be enrolled in a Master’s Program in Education or Psychology

Can I take one course?

• Yes, we are offering the Foundations course for Fall 2023. If you would like to enroll in this course only, please complete the application by selecting non-degree. This will only require a transcript, diploma or certification uploaded.

When is the application deadline?

• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The Fall deposit deadline is August 1, 2023.

When do classes meet?

• The classes are scheduled during the work week after 4 pm. The methods and writing classes are offered during the day, during the summer. The practicum takes place in the candidate’s classroom during the school day, during the school year.

Are all classes online?

• This is a synchronous online program.

How long will it take to complete program?

• The program is five semesters, requiring a commitment of two years of study. The first academic year and one summer session include the foundations, assessment, and methods courses. The second academic year includes the supervised practicum.

What should the admission essay include?

• How will you leverage the Dyslexia certificate program to enhance your work as an educator? What was your motivation for applying to this program?

What is the cost of the program?

• Tuition is $1,050 per credit.
• Plus a Practicum Mentoring Fee of $1,500

Is there financial aid available?

• Graduate students can be considered for federal loan options. To be considered, graduate students must submit a FAFSA to Manhattanville College using our school code: 002760.

Can I transfer in credits?

• No.

What happens if I need to withdraw for a semester or more?

• Your program of study will be placed on hold for one year.

 

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DYSLEXIA CERTIFICATE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 

EDU 5046 -  Dyslexia: Foundations of Language, Literacy Development, and the Brain (3 credits)

This online course provides students with an introduction to the nature and needs of students with dyslexia. This course addresses dyslexia’s neurobiological origins, its effect on language and literacy development, and variations in the processing and development of the various elements of language and literacy among students with and without dyslexia.

EDU 5612 - Literacy Assessment and Intervention (3 Credits)

In this course, we examine the most current theory and practice in assessment of reading, language development, and literacy.  You will consider case studies and actual test materials and learn how to evaluate assessment techniques effectively and efficiently in relationship to meeting the needs of the children and the curriculum. 

 EDU 5630 - Multisensory Structured Literacy Instruction I (3 Credits)

Multisensory Structured Literacy Instruction 1 introduces participants to the fundamental elements of an Orton-Gillingham based approach characterized by explicit teaching of foundational literacy skills.  The course includes an introduction to phonology and basic phonics, and focuses on instruction to promote fluency, vocabulary acquisition, and an understanding of the structure of the language. The content includes information on dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities, strategies for multisensory instruction, using assessment results for small/large group lessons, and planning an Orton-Gillingham lesson. Preventing Academic Failure (PAF) will be used as a model. The scientifically-based methodology is explicit, interactive, diagnostic, multisensory, and integrated.

EDU 5632 MULTISENSORY STRUCTURED LITERACY PRACTICUM 1 (3 Credits)

This practicum, set in the fall semester of the academic year, provides the teacher with the opportunity to work with a mentor to implement the Orton-Gillingham based approach when teaching reading, writing, and spelling to students.

EDU 5633 MULTISENSORY STRUCTURED LITERACY PRACTICUM 2 (3Credits)

This practicum is the second half of Practicum 1, set in the spring semester of the academic year. The practicum continues to reinforce the use of the Orton-Gillingham based approach with students under the guidance and support of a mentor.

 EDU 5654 - Expository Writing Instruction (1 credit)

This course will enable candidates to directly and explicitly teach students how to write sentences and expository paragraphs. Course content includes an introduction to the goals and purposes of expository writing and will include how to use a variety of outlines designed to strengthen the writing process as well as how to assess student writing.  Specifically, this level of instruction is designed to allow candidates to work with students who have dyslexia or a language-based learning difference. 

 

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