Multisensory Teacher Training Application for Dyslexia Therapist Training Course:
Intro & Advanced CherishEd-Multisensory Teacher Training - Dyslexia Therapist Training Program
The CherishEd Multisensory Teacher Training (CMTT) Multisensory Integrated Reading and Composition program is a two-year multisensory structured language training curriculum for individuals who have already completed a Bachelor’s degree and are interested in becoming a Dyslexia Therapist. Upon completion of the two-year program, you will receive a certificate as a dyslexia therapist. Individuals with a Master’s degree (or those seeking to obtain a Master’s degree) see the Certification and Licensing section below.
CherishEd uses Take Flight: A Comprehensive Intervention for Students with Dyslexia (Take Flight), a two-year curriculum written by the staff of the Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia and Learning Disorders at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Take Flight addresses the five components of effective reading instruction identified by the National Reading Panel’s research and is a comprehensive Tier III intervention for students with dyslexia, ages 7 and up.
CherishEd-MTT (Multisensory Integrated Reading and Composition – MIRC) is accredited by the International Dyslexia Association and meets the association’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading, and licensure requirements for membership in the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA). CherishEd.-MTT is accredited by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC).
Certification and Licensing:
Graduates of CherishEd.-MTT (full two-year training course) receive a certificate of completion with the title, Dyslexia Therapist, and those with a Master’s degree in education and/or related field are eligible to sit for the ALTA Competency Exam administered by the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) to become Certified Academic Language Therapists (CALT).
Certified Academic Language Therapist / Practitioner
CALT/CALP
FAQs
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CALT is a professional credential to describe an individual who has the expertise to provide services to individuals who have difficulty acquiring the basic language skills necessary to read, write and spell. CALTs have a deep knowledge of the structure of the English language and the experience to apply these skills in creating an individualized plan for the remediation of dyslexia and related learning differences.
The CALT credential ensures that an individual has completed a Comprehensive Therapist Level Multisensory Structured Language Training course that is Orton-Gillingham based and accredited by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC).
Individuals that earn the professional credential CALT have successfully passed The ALTA Competency Exam at the therapy level, which is required for certification as an Academic Language Therapist by the Academic Language Therapist Association (ALTA), the official certifying agency.
A Certified Academic Language Therapist is not a tutor. Tutors are not required to complete advanced language therapy coursework through a professional program at an accredited institution or university. CALTs are required to complete professional development contact hours (continuing education credits) to maintain certification.
Southern Methodist University’s Learning Therapy Program, where Tara received her training, is accredited by IMSLEC. IMSLEC accredited training centers meet the International Dyslexia Association’s (IDA) standards for teachers of reading.
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Demonstrate knowledge of language development
Demonstrate knowledge of the structure of written language
Demonstrate knowledge of dyslexia, written language disorders & other related disorders
Interpret testing
Use diagnostic & prescriptive MSL strategies to improve reading, spelling, & written expression
Apply relevant research in instructional practice
Use Section 504 & IDEA to guide professional conduct & advocacy
Follow ethical standards for the profession
Communicate effectively orally & in writing with colleagues, parents & other professionals
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Must hold a Master’s degree (effective May 31, 2023)
Candidates who successfully complete comprehensive therapy-level training and the ALTA CALT exam without a Master’s degree may join ALTA as a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT)-Candidate and will have an additional five years to complete the Master’s degree. A CALT-Candidate will enjoy all the benefits of a full voting member of ALTA for up to 5 years while they pursue a Master’s degree. If a CALT-Candidate does not complete a Master’s degree within this time period, the CALT-Candidate status will automatically convert to a CALP level.
Attend 28 days of instruction (10 day summer training + 4 Saturday seminars/year)
Undergo mentoring by Payne Qualified Instructors
Log practicum hours with students
Pass ALTA’s Competency Exam for MSLE given online and at various testing sites
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Provides educators with a highly sought designation
Elevates the profession of MSL Educators
Promotes professional expertise to consumers
Allows state, national, and international certification portability to MSL educators
Gives states a guideline for potential licensure