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ASDEC for Educators

ASDEC for Educators

ASDEC has over to 20 years of experience training teachers to deliver evidence-based multisensory instruction in reading, writing, handwriting, spelling and math. We train hundreds of teachers every year pre-k through high school. ASDEC faculty are all Certified Academic Language Therapists who have also been trained in a wide array of specialized reading programs such as Orton-Gillingham, Sounds In Syllables, Alphabetic Phonics and Wilson Reading System.  Drawing upon their years of experience as therapists and trainers, our faculty develops and delivers  multisensory training programs to educators and parents in the Washington, DC region as well as throughout the country and overseas.

All ASDEC courses qualify for graduate credit from Trinity Washington University.


“ASDEC’s courses have been stimulating, edifying, and above all energizing. Language I and the Practicum gave me a powerful approach to teaching reading and writing as well as a more comprehensive understanding of the English language and language disorders. I have become a better parent and teacher, and a stronger advocate for my children and my students as a result.”

– Graduate of ASDEC Academic Therapy Certification program

ASDEC Courses

Learn about our IMSLEC accredited/IDA Endorsed Orton-Gillingham based courses, certification and registration options.


WINTER 2024 Online Courses: MULTISENSORY MATH AND lANGUAGE 1: sOUNDS IN syLLABLES

ASDEC is the only accredited training program to deliver integrated Orton-Gillingham methods and Montessori strategies designed to identify and teach emerging readers.  Using evidence-based instruction focused on building phonological awareness, oral language development and alphabet skills, we train teachers in the science of reading.

DATES ANNOUNCED SOON!



Online Multisensory Grammar Workshop And Input-Output Learning and Study Skills

2024




Joy Jacques, CALT former director of ASDEC’s Summer Study Skills program presents a workshop on Multisensory Grammar Instruction.  The presentation, designed for teachers, parents, academic therapists and other educators, presents  multisensory methods for teaching the parts of speech and related basic grammar skills.  

You may view the pre-recorded  workshop  (three and one-half hours) at any time during the course. You will have the opportunity to meet live online with the instructor on.  The session will be recorded if you are not able to attend.

You will also have the opportunity to post questions in a blog in the course page where you will interact with the instructor and other students.

Marilyn Zecher, CALT Director of Multisensory Math presents Input-Output- Learning and Study Strategies to support memory 

This presentation will focus on the use of graphic organizers, imagery and strategies for summarizing for cumulative test/exam review. The strategies utilize a multisensory approach which is highly visual and allows students to create their own mastery materials for truly retaining concepts, content and vocabulary. We will explore simple vehicles which students can learn to generate themselves to solidify learning.  Graphic organizers have been shown to be effective learning tools for all ages.  Deschler's work at the University of Kansas has had a profound effect on helping educators find ways to engage students in effective study and learning techniques. This presentation takes that "ball" and move it down the field in new ways.  You will see samples of actual student work from visual dictionaries to history and ELA reviews to Spanish Language practice sheets.   We will look at applications in multiple content areas and see how creative our students can be.


Academic Language Therapy

ASDEC’s Academic Language Therapy Program trains educators in Sounds In Syllables, the most powerful Orton-Gillingham-based approach to teaching reading (decoding, fluency, and comprehension), sound-spelling, and the foundations of syntax and grammar.  Experienced ASDEC faculty deliver in-depth training courses that prepare Academic Language Therapists to work one-to-one with students.

Therapists must complete 200 class hours and 700 practicum teaching hours under the supervision of ASDEC faculty. This supervised teaching enables therapists to apply the lessons learned in their classes to actual teaching sessions with students under the careful guidance of master teachers. This core element of ASDEC’s training program explains why our therapeutic approach is so successful, especially for those students who may have failed to learn under other specialized programs.

Learn more about the Academic Language Therapy Certification requirements.




Academic Language Practitioner


ASDEC trains classroom teachers and reading specialists to deliver Language Foundations, an evidence-based structured literacy for general education and Tier 2 intervention.  Teachers who complete the 45-hour training course and nine-month practicum are eligible to sit for national certification as Academic Language Practitioners.

Language Foundations (also known as “Structured Language Basics – SLB) is an Orton-Gillingham based multisensory approach to teaching reading-language arts skills in an inclusive classroom.  This curriculum is equally successful with elementary and middle school students for whom reading and spelling present significant problems.  More importantly, the use of Language Foundations in the primary grades can act as a preventative measure for difficulty with reading and spelling in the later grades.

Learn more about Language Practitioner Certification requirements.


Multisensory Math: Certification

ASDEC’s teaching level certification in Multisensory Math is designed for educational professionals working with students in the classroom as well as those who work with students in small groups or one-to-one. ASDEC Math Director, Marilyn Zecher, CALT is a nationally recognized as a leader in applying Orton-Gillingham based methods to her multisensory math instruction.  Her workshops and lectures throughout the country often sell out. Trained in Orton-Gillingham as a classroom teacher in Prince George’s County, MD, Marilyn has a deep understanding of the needs of at-risk students.  Participants at her workshops, courses and lectures are often transformed by her dynamic presentations.

Learn more about Multisensory Math Certification requirements.

"The training that I received from ASDEC profoundly and forever changed my philosophy and approach to teaching. (I always half-jokingly say that I want to go back to my pre-ASDEC teacher self, give her a hug, and let her know that she'll one day know how to reach all of the learners in her classroom!)  In addition to my ASDEC training, however, my instructional knowledge and skills increased further through the time I spent in the classroom with each of you. I consider it such a gift to have taught with you, and I  know this was invaluable to my growth/development as a teacher. Thank you." 

- Mary McAndrews, MA, CALT

ASDEC Professional Development

ASDEC Sounds In Syllables and Language Foundations have received accreditation by the International Dyslexia Association.  Sounds In Syllables is also included in the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Matrix of Multisensory Structured Language Programs. This publication identifies the most effective evidence-based programs using Orton-Gillingham techniques that are critical for teaching students with dyslexia and have been proven successful.

ASDEC faculty are all certified Academic Therapists who have also been trained in a wide array of specialized reading programs such as Sounds In Syllables, Alphabetic Phonics and Wilson Reading System.  Drawing upon their years of experience as therapists and trainers, our faculty develops and delivers research-based multisensory training programs to educators and parents in the Washington, DC region as well as throughout the country.

ASDEC training courses are accredited by IMSLEC, The International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council. IMSLEC is a member of The Alliance for Accreditation and Certification, which is sponsored by The International Dyslexia Association.


Graduate Credit and CEUs  available for all ASDEC courses. We provide graduate credits through Trinity Washington University that can be used for teacher certification, salary increments, or for re-certification/seat hours, where applicable.



ASDEC - Dyslexia Therapy, Training, and Parent Advocacy

17 West Jefferson Street, Suite 100
Rockville, MD 20850

Phone: 301-762-2414
Email: [email protected]

Copyright ©2019. ASDEC All rights reserved.


ASDEC is accredited by the International Mulitsensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC), one of two organizations in the US to receive the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) endorsement for meeting teacher training standards in reading.


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