University of Portland & Wilson Language Training

Do you serve students with dyslexia*? 

Do you suspect students may have dyslexia in your school?

Are you looking for effective, evidence-based training and curriculum for your students?

The University of Portland is proudly partnering with Wilson Language Training to offer the only Level 1 certification in the Wilson Reading System in the Pacific Northwest. 

What is the Wilson Reading System?

The Wilson Reading System is an intensive reading intervention designed for struggling readers from 2^nd grade to adulthood. The Wilson Reading System is a Structured Literacy program based on multisensory instruction. The program offers excellent teacher training in an explicit and systematic intensive reading curriculum. The Wilson Reading System is an accredited program with the International Dyslexia Association.  

What are the benefits of Wilson Reading System Level 1 certification?

Level 1 certified teachers are recognized by the International Dyslexia Association as Dyslexia Practitioners.  Dyslexia Practitioner certification is vital for:

• Literacy Coaches
• Reading Specialists
• Special Educators
• Title 1 Educators
• ESOL Educators
• Literacy Tutors

Courses:

ED 791 Intro. Wilson Reading System (1 credit) Summer

ED 792 Wilson Reading System Part 1 (3 credits) Fall

ED 793 Wilson Reading System Part 2 (3 credits) Spring

ED 794 WRS Intervention Practicum 1 (1.5 credits) Fall

ED 795 WRS Intervention Practicum 2 (1.5 credits) Spring

-Online format is available.

Below is a list of requirements to help determine if this opportunity is a good fit for you or your students.  Please see WRS for more complete list of requirements and responsibilities for Level 1 Certification.

Level 1 Certification Requirements:

1. Identify a student in need (4^thgrade or older) using these requirements. Percentile ranks should exist in the 5^th-30^th
   1. Use available standardized testing and school achievement records.
   2. Confirm school attendance and potential enrollment with parents.
   3. The target student has good attendance, parent support, and is available to meet 1:1 with the teaching in training 3 times a week for 45-60 minutes sessions.
2. Attend a 3.5 day in person training sessions in during the Summer.
3. Complete asynchronous online coursework and assessments through the academic year during Fall and Spring semesters.
4. Complete pre and post assessment documentation for target student.
5. Deliver at least 65 1:1 lessons with the target student by the end of the school year.
6. Participate in 5 observed lessons with follow-up cohort meetings during the school year.

If you are interested, please contact Dr. Anna Myers, myersan@up.edu, to discuss your potential enrollment.

*Dyslexia is a lifelong neurobiological disorder that impacts a reader at the word level. Dyslexia impacts reading comprehension and written expression indirectly because of lowered reading and writing exposure over time. With appropriate instruction, dyslexia is highly treatable. 

Emerging readers may show difficulty in: ability to rhyme, mispronounce words in speech, learning letter names and sounds, reading sight words, difficulty recalling information or sequencing stories, show inconsistent letter formation, among other traits. Beginning readers may show difficulty in: decoding common words for age or grade, confusing letter sounds, misreading multisyllabic words, skip or misread sight words, spelling grade level words, reading fluently, among other traits. Older readers may show difficulty in: expressing thoughts through writing, spelling grade level words, reading fluently, reading comprehension.