For Applicants for Certification by the Academy

WHO is to be taught. WHAT is to be taught? WHEN is it to be taught? HOW is it to be taught? WHY is it to be taught? These are questions central to the effective application of the Orton-Gillingham Approach.

There are two principal sources to which experienced Orton-Gillingham practitioners turn for answers to these questions. First, there is a body of knowledge derived from instructional practice that has been evolving for more than 70 years. Second, there is the body of expanding scientific evidence relevant to how persons learn to read and write; to why a significant number have difficulty in doing so; to how having dyslexia makes achieving literacy skills more difficult; and to which instructional practices are best suited for teaching such persons to read and write. The certification standards set by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators call for command of these materials.

Underpinning the Orton-Gillingham Approach are foundational and seminal ideas from Samuel T. Orton, June Lyday Orton, Anna Gillingham, Bessie Stillman, and Paula Rome. By reason of their various specialties, they provided strength in neurobiological science, medical evaluation and in the psychology and pedagogy of education. All courses and practica considered essential for membership in the Academy derive directly from the work of these pioneers. Many students of the Ortons, Gillingham, Stillman and Rome generated their own excellent programs and instructional materials based on the foundations of their multi-disciplinary training. Those programs and materials, which the Academy recognizes as Orton-Gillingham based, may be used in addition to the primary works listed as required readings, but should not replace them.

The following lists contains both required and recommended readings. The dark bullet (•) identifies required readings and the hollow bullet (o) indicates those that are recommended. The individual Fellow will determine the specific requirements for each intern. In addition to the required and suggested readings, the Fellow may assign supplemental material. It is the responsibility of the Fellow to pursue new information rigorously via current research, publications, websites, videos, audiotapes, etc. Fellows are encouraged to share this information with other professionals, trainees and the Academy.

The Required and Recommended Reading Lists may be accessed and downloaded here.

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Selected Reading Recommended for the Public