Program Overview
The Dyslexia Graduate Certificate program at Sacred Heart University equips educators with the knowledge and skills to identify and support students with dyslexia. Through online coursework and supervised clinical experiences, participants learn evidence-based literacy practices, assessment techniques, and strategies for creating an emotionally supportive learning environment. Graduates are prepared to implement effective instruction and lead in the field of dyslexia education.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Dyslexia Graduate Certificate program at Sacred Heart University is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to identify early signs of dyslexia and implement instructional practices to help each child reach their full potential.
Objectives:
- Understand the impact of dyslexia on a child's social, emotional, and academic development
- Identify early warning signs and distinguishing characteristics of dyslexia in various areas
- Comprehend word structure including phonemes and associated graphemes, syllabication rules, morphemes, and more
- Conduct and interpret scientifically validated literacy assessments for screening, progress monitoring, and evaluation
- Design and implement evidence-based literacy instruction for students in an emotionally supportive environment to strengthen reading, spelling, and writing
- Prepare students to complete Orton-Gillingham Academy certification
Program Description:
This fully-online, 18-credit program is led by faculty experienced in the field and research. The program emphasizes reading science-aligned practice to improve individual reading and writing development. Through challenging and engaging coursework, participants will be positioned to implement and analyze evidence-based assessments using screening and tools as well as progress monitoring.
Outline:
Course Schedule:
The program consists of eight courses, each with 3 credits:
- EDR 553 Foundations of Dyslexia
- SLP 575 Phonetics for Educators
- EDR 554 Evidence-Based Writing Instruction
- EDR 540 Advanced Diagnosis & Remediation
- EDR 550 Clinical 1
- EDR 572 Structured Literacy II
- SLP 575 Phonetics for Educators: This course covers the basics of phonetics, including sound production, transcription, and the relationship between phonemes and graphemes.
- EDR 554 Evidence-Based Writing Instruction: This course explores evidence-based practices for teaching writing, including strategies for planning, drafting, revising, and editing.
- EDR 540 Advanced Diagnosis & Remediation: This course covers advanced diagnostic techniques for identifying and assessing reading and writing difficulties.
- EDR 550 Clinical 1: This course provides supervised clinical experience in the assessment and remediation of reading and writing difficulties.
- EDR 572 Structured Literacy II: This course builds on the principles of structured literacy introduced in EDR 569, with a focus on advanced phonics, fluency, and comprehension strategies.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Online lectures and discussions
- Readings and assignments
- Case studies
- Simulations
- Clinical experiences
Faculty:
The program is led by faculty experienced in the field of dyslexia and research.
Unique Approaches:
The program emphasizes reading science-aligned practice and provides opportunities for supervised clinical experience.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the program are qualified to work in various settings, including:
- Public and private schools
- State education offices
- Child advocacy centers
Opportunities and Outcomes:
The Dyslexia Graduate Certificate distinguishes instructors with highly needed expertise that impacts children's lives. Graduates will be prepared to lead, design, and implement evidence-based literacy instruction.
Other:
- Candidates must have a bachelor's degree with initial teaching certification.
- 9 credits from the Dyslexia Graduate Certificate program may be applied to Sacred Heart's Sixth-Year Degree in Literacy or Sixth-Year Degree in Special Education programs.
