Can I start OG Tutoring after taking the Principles level (or Foundations of MSL) training course?

No. A trainee must successfully complete Principles-level and Basic level courses and a supervised practicum before they are ready to begin practice as an Orton-Gillingham Practitioner.

What is the equivalent to BA and who decides?

Our Membership Levels policy, defines that an acceptable equivalent to a BA is evidence of post-secondary education plus at least 5 years of relevant work experience (e.g., as an Education Assistant). This work can be paid or unpaid. If you are not sure if your education meets the requirements necessary for OG training, contact the Trainer providing the course you want to take.

How do I complete an online practicum?

Trainers provide a practicum either on-site (live observation) or remotely. A remote practicum may be completed via sharing of digital files online. For instance, a Trainer may have websites or blogs set up for their trainees to participate in. Assignments, including the requirements of lessons, will be outlined. When assignments are completed, they will be emailed or otherwise digitally sent to their Trainer or assigned Mentoring Supervisor. Lessons conducted by the trainee will need to be digitally recorded and sent to their Trainer or Mentoring Supervisor immediately after the lessons are conducted, who will then provide timely written feedback. The 2-4 month practicum will be conducted with a student from the trainee’s community.

Each Trainer will be able to provide specific information about how their practicum will be structured.

Why has the structure of training changed?

OG Canada strives to stay current with best practice and research for language instruction. Therefore refinements in training requirements are always being implemented. The changes in the structure of the training courses were made to incorporate current standards as detailed in the International Dyslexia Association document: Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading. click here

The new structure also provides increased flexibility for Trainers and participants. Although the training courses must be completed in a order, they do not necessarily need to be completed in one single extended course as was formerly the case.

If I took a full course with a practicum under the old system, do I still need to take Principles or can I skip it?

While the Principles coursework is not required for current or grand-mothered/grandfathered OG Practitioners, it is the position of the Academy and the feedback of graduates, that OG Practitioners who trained prior to the introduction of Principles-level training will benefit from the increased knowledge, current research and procedures studied in that level of training.

I took Orton-Gillingham training 5 (or fewer) years ago but then did not work in the field and did not join the academy.

Each person’s situation will be dealt with individually. An applicant in this situation may be offered an option such as completion of Principles-level coursework followed by mentoring and a practicum. However, retaking Basic Training may offer benefits such as an understanding of current research, updates of procedures, and the assurance that one meets current standards.

What is policy for an OG Practitioner who has been away from the field for 5 or more years?

Again, OG Canada would consider each person’s situation individually. Factors to be considered would be, for example, the applicant’s level of experience in the field prior to their departure, professional development undertaken in the interim, and their background education. An applicant in this kind of situation may be offered an option of completion of a Principles-level course, followed by mentoring and a practicum. However, the person in this situation would be advised that completion of Basic OG Practitioner Training will provide other benefits such as an understanding of current research, updates of procedures, and the assurance that the applicant then meets current standards.