What I Do

STUDENT RESULTS:

*Names have been changed for confidentiality

Sharon - 3rd Grade

Over 7 month period

Grant - 1st Grade

Over 6 month period

Andrew - 2nd Grade

Over 7 month period
 

what is academic language therapy?

Academic language therapy is not tutoring. Academic Language Therapists go through intensive training in multisensory structured language instruction prior to receiving certification through programs accredited through internationally recognized organizations (such as International Dyslexia Association or International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council). In order to achieve the therapist level, one must complete a 200 hour course through the accredited program, complete a minimum of 700 clinical teaching hours including 10 demonstration lessons, pass the Alliance National Registration exam for Multisensory Structured Language Education, and complete at least 10 hours of continuing education each year.

Certified Academic Language Therapists (CALT) are:

CLINICALLY DIAGNOSTIC AND PRESCRIPTIVE

Certified Academic Language Therapists (CALT) review comprehensive evaluation reports and academic samples, then administer academic skills assessments for baseline documentation. Throughout Multisensory Structured Language therapy sessions, student performance informs diagnostic and prescriptive intervention to create a high level of accuracy, fluency, and understanding for independence in written language skills.

SKILLED IN MULTISENSORY STRUCTURED LANGUAGE

Certified Academic Language Therapists integrate visual, auditory, and motor processing with an explicit understanding of the structure of the English language, which provides a solid foundation in written language skills.

INTENSIVE

Certified Academic Language Therapists provide expert, skilled one-to-one or small-group intervention, with high frequency over a sustained period of time, which links explicit understanding, repeated practice and performance to develop accurate and fluent reading with comprehension.

RESULTS DRIVEN

Certified Academic Language Therapists enable explicit understanding and application of the structure of the English language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and orthography), to create the foundation for age-appropriate oral and written language, including reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension, spelling, and written expression. 

*From ALTA READ.org

For Parents

As a former teacher, and now a CALT, I have discovered that a favorite element of my job is helping parents navigate the process of getting their child the appropriate help they need to be successful in school and beyond. Learning that your child is struggling in school is one of the most difficult experiences a parent can face. My desire is to walk families through this process to make it as seamless and manageable as possible. I am here for your child, and I am here for you.

I help parents with:

  • Ideas for at-home language and literacy activities

  • Book suggestions

  • Understanding dyslexia and other reading disorders

  • Deciding if and when to seek an evaluation

  • Next steps after receiving a diagnosis

  • Personalized post-evaluation plan

  • Tips for talking to school administrators and teachers

  • School placement guidance

  • Summer camp/school guidance

For Students

I offer academic language therapy for students who need extra written language support. Academic language therapy is not tutoring. It is diagnostic, explicit, and structured multisensory literacy instruction. I am trained in the Neuhaus Education Center’s Basic Language Skills program and additional supplemental programs. These evidence based approaches are aligned with Orton-Gillingham methodology. While I have worked with students through middle school, I specialize in preschool and elementary age children.

I help students with:

  • Phonological awareness

  • Oral Language

  • Handwriting

  • Decoding skills and strategies

  • Fluency

  • Strategies for multisyllabic words

  • Comprehension

  • Morphology

  • Understanding the history of the English language

  • Spelling

  • Sentence Structure

  • Grammar

  • Written expression