Phonics First is Orton-Gillingham
Posted by Brainspring on 24th Jun 2014
Hi everyone,
RLAC sent out this fantastically informative email to our newsletter subscribers earlier today and I wanted to share it with everyone. It’s about how Phonics First is an Ortong-Gillingham program that is accredited by the IDA and IMSELC.
It was sent to those trained in Phonics First to clarify the quality and type of program we are, especially in regard to new dyslexia legislation. (For those of you who haven’t been trained, it will clarify why you should be!)
Phonics First is Orton-Gillingham
Due to numerous requests from our clients, we are writing to clear up MISCONCEPTIONS that often occur between PHONICS FIRST® and ORTON-GILLINGHAM. With newly implemented Dyslexia Legislation in states such as NJ, OH and many others, it is critical you are fully aware of the scope of your current Phonics First® instruction.
- Orton-Gillingham is not one company or organization. Anyone can use the term Orton-Gillingham. An accredited course ensures quality content that meets recognized standards.
- Phonics First® IS an Orton-Gillingham course. Orton-Gillingham is an approach following specific teaching principles. Phonics First® is a Nationally Accredited program that strictly adheres to Orton-Gillingham Principles of Instruction for MSL (Multisensory Structured Language) programs.
- Phonics First’s® instruction is Accredited through IDA and IMSLEC. Accredited courses are rigorously evaluated to ensure quality instructional content and delivery. Courses accredited by International Dyslexia Association (IDA), International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC) or Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators (AOGPE) MUST follow rigorous MSL teaching principles.
- Teachers trained in Phonics First® ARE teaching with Orton-Gillingham. Phonics First® uses carefully designed Orton-Gillingham principles of instruction for classroom, small-group and individual lessons.
- Phonics First’s® Orton-Gillingham instruction is designed for dyslexic learners, those with other reading disabilities and is appropriate for many other students who struggle learning to read.
- Phonics First® trained teachers do not need to “also” take Orton-Gillingham training. They already have it! It is important to periodically refresh and extend Phonics First® training to enhance teachers’ depth of knowledge and practice. Phonics First® Certification of specific teachers further extends teaching excellence to your students.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or comments. Laurie Wagner, Director of Education and Phonics First® Co-Creator, is on the IMSLEC Board and heads their Accreditation Teams. She can answer questions you have about Accreditation and Certification in Phonics First®.
