Please contact us by e-mail, telephone, or fax if you have any additional questions about our programs, availability, or training locations.
These are the most common questions that we receive:
Questions from Administrators
Are college credits available?
Yes, college credits are available for the 30-hour training. Participants have the option of two - three credits from the University of Michigan or two credits from Adams State College.
(Details)
Does the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) offer on-site district training for our professional staff?
In addition to our individual teacher training from multiple school districts that is offered nationally, the Institute for Multi-Sensory education specializes in on-site staff development for individual schools and districts.
Is there a minimum number of participants required for on-site training?
A minimum of 15 participants is needed for an on-site training.
Who would benefit from Orton-Gillingham training?
IMSE has successfully trained a variety of professionals including teachers, specialists, paraprofessionals, administrators, and parents. On-site training is customized to meet the specific needs of your school, district, or individual students.
Will Orton-Gillingham disrupt our current reading program?
Our goal is to provide teachers with an additional tool to incorporate into their current literacy instruction. This program offers the flexibility required to integrate the Orton-Gillingham philosophy into any existing reading program. IMSE seeks to provide a sequential, cumulative, multi-sensory approach that will benefit all learners and enhance the effectiveness of your current curriculum.
Will Orton-Gillingham training help our staff meet RTI requirements?
Yes, the Orton-Gillingham approach equips educators with strategies appropriate for every tier of the Response to Intervention model. Teachers, specialists, and aides can use these strategies to effectively intervene at the at-risk level and develop this population of students into successful readers, writers, and spellers. The 30-hour Comprehensive training is unlike other programs. IMSE training is hands on and personalized, not a prepackaged program that can be ordered off the shelf.
Is Orton-Gillingham training cost effective?
Schools that have fully incorporated the IMSE approach into their literacy instruction have seen a significant decrease in special education referrals and a lower at-risk population in the general education classrooms. Thirty hours of training will provide your staff with the knowledge, skills, and tools required to be able to fully implement this approach immediately.
Questions from Teachers
Are college credits available?
Yes, college credits are available for the 30-hour training. Participants have the option of two - three credits from the University of Michigan or 2 credits from Adams State College. (Details)
Where can I go to receive your Orton-Gillingham training?
IMSE offers trainings at a variety of locations nationally throughout the year (see training dates for individual teachers). Your administrator could also arrange to have an on-site training conducted at your school or district.
Is Orton-Gillingham only for students with dyslexia or another special need?
Orton-Gillingham was originally designed for use with individuals with dyslexia and was used in primarily tutorial settings. However, national studies have shown that more than 30% of children are not reading at grade level when they enter third grade. This 30% requires direct, explicit instruction in order to become successful readers. IMSE has designed a program based on the Orton-Gillingham philosophy that can be used effectively by general education teachers in a large group setting as well as individually, small-group, or with the special needs or at-risk population. We have found that all learners benefit from this program.
Will Orton-Gillingham disrupt our current reading program?
Our goal is to provide teachers with an additional tool to incorporate into their current literacy instruction. This program offers the flexibility required to integrate the Orton-Gillingham philosophy into any existing reading program. IMSE seeks to provide a sequential, cumulative, multi-sensory approach that will benefit all learners and enhance the effectiveness of your current curriculum.
Is Sensational Strategies for Teaching Beginning Readers only for parents?
Although Sensational Strategies was designed specifically for the non-teaching individual, many teachers and paraprofessionals have found this to be an inexpensive method to become familiar with the basics of the Orton-Gillingham method prior to seeking a more comprehensive training. Sensational Strategies provides individuals with an overview and/or review of the program and the tools necessary to begin using Orton-Gillingham at a rudimentary level.
Will Orton-Gillingham training help our school meet RTI requirements?
Yes, the Orton-Gillingham approach equips educators with strategies appropriate for every tier of the Response to Intervention model. Teachers, specialists, and aides can use these strategies to effectively intervene at the at-risk level and develop this population of students into successful readers, writers, and spellers.
Questions from Parents
My child is struggling with foundational reading skills. Is there anything I can do at home?
Sensational Strategies for Teaching Beginning Readers includes an introduction to the approach and the tools you will need to begin using this program with your child at home. The program uses a multi-sensory approach to provide your child with a strong foundation of the English language. We also suggest a rich vocabulary, consistent exposure to literature through oral reading with your child, and a variety of phonemic awareness activities.
My child has been diagnosed with a learning disability. What strategies will be most effective with my child?
Children struggling with reading and those diagnosed with a learning disability will depend on a direct, phonics-based, multi-sensory approach to literacy instruction. The Orton-Gillingham approach will provide your child with a strong foundation of the English language. This success-based approach will give your child the confidence they need to become a successful learner as they progress to more advanced concepts.
Is Sensational Strategies for Teaching Beginning Readers cost effective?
This program will equip you with the basic skills necessary to effectively aid in your child’s reading development. The costs of professional tutoring in an Orton-Gillingham based method range from $30-$75 for a 50 minute session, and most tutors recommend bi-weekly sessions. In comparison, Sensational Strategies is quite cost effective.
Is Sensational Strategies for Teaching Beginning Readers for parents?
Sensational Strategies was designed for the non-teaching individual; however, it would be a beneficial tool for any individual interested in assisting a child or those seeking a better understanding of the Orton-Gillingham approach.
Sensational Strategies for Teaching Beginning Readers
can be ordered over the internet, or you can call The Institute for Multi-Sensory Education toll free during regular business hours (Eastern Time) at 800-646-9788.
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