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Stern Center for Language and Learning

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Overview

Wilson Reading System® Introductory Course

An intensive intervention program for students in grades 2–12 and adults with language-based learning disabilities, including dyslexia

This course provides participants with an overview of the Wilson Reading System® (WRS) 4th Edition curriculum and serves as the prerequisite for WRS Level I Certification.

This course provides participants with an overview of the Wilson Reading System ® (WRS) 4th Edition curriculum and serves as the prerequisite for WRS Level I Certification. Over three consecutive days (16.5 hours), this course examines how WRS addresses the teaching of phonemic awareness, word identification, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension through an integrated study of phonology, morphology, and orthography with students in grade two and above with persistent phonological coding deficits.

Participants learn about reading research, dyslexia, appropriate student identification and placement, program implementation, progress monitoring, scheduling, and creating a successful learning environment. Principles of language structure and how to teach language with direct, multisensory methods are demonstrated and practiced during the course. Participants explore the standard 10–part Wilson Lesson Plan and practice planning and delivering a lesson while receiving modeling and feedback from a Wilson® Credentialed Trainer during the workshop.

Participants may enroll in the WRS Level I Certification Training or the WRS Intensive Instruction: Online Course (Steps 1–6) within five years of completing a WRS Introductory Course.

Who is this course for?

This program is designed for classroom teachers, adult education teachers, and special educators.

Course description

Participants will learn how to:

  • Define dyslexia and describe common characteristics.
  • Explain the process of identifying appropriate students and placing them in the Wilson Reading System.
  • Understand the principles of instruction: explicit, sequential and cumulative, engaging multiple learning modalities with multisensory techniques, repetition, and feedback.
  • Create an optimal learning environment, prepare a lesson plan, and practice techniques.
  • Understand the key components of instruction and presentation of lessons.

Required Materials

  • Wilson Reading System® kit is not included in the price of these workshops.
  • If you are interested in purchasing a Wilson Reading System® kit, please contact Wilson Language Training. The Stern Center does not sell or provide Wilson Reading System® kits.
  • Presentation materials: You will be mailed the course manual in the weeks prior to the course.

NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HOURS:
16.5 hours for all three days

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Dates

Spring: Mar. 24-26
Closed

Summer: Jul. 21-23
Registration closes Jul. 7

Time

9:00 AM-2:30 PM EST

Course Number(s)

Spring: 1637

Summer: 1643

Location and Format

Online (synchronous)

Cost

$750

Grade Level

2-12

Audience

Classroom teachers, adult education teachers, special educators
Classroom Teachers, Curriculum Directors, ELL Educators, Literacy Coaches, Reading Specialists / Interventionists, Special Educators

Graduate Credit

This course is available for one graduate credit through Fitchburg State University. Please visit the Wilson® Language Training website for more information about how to register for graduate credit. Graduate credit registration/payment does not go through the Stern Center.

Catrina Hays

Wilson® Credentialed Trainer

Registration Closed
Register Now for Summer
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What Teachers Have to Say

I feel very blessed to be able to attend this training [and] reading practicum! My skills as a teacher are being challenged in a good way. Honestly, being able to grow as a teacher from such highly trained professionals has helped me stay positive in such a challenging year. I plan on continuing my training in using Wilson Reading. I aspire to become a trainer one day! Thank you for this opportunity.

Participant in Wilson Reading System Introductory Course

The presentation of the materials and content was easy to follow and allowed me to better understand the many components of the curriculum.

Professional Learning Participant

I benefitted greatly from the demonstrations in the course, as well as the breakout rooms where we practiced each step.

Professional Learning Participant

I loved the convenience of taking the course online. The instructor was very good and the information was so helpful. I will no doubt implement strategies from the course into my instruction.

Professional Learning Participant

I will be using the word-building activities with my students. This is a great way to help them transfer over to the Wilson program from their current program.

Professional Learning Participant

Meet the Instructor(s)

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Catrina Hays

Wilson® Credentialed Trainer

Catrina received her BS from Northwestern University’s School of Speech and then her MA from the University of Arizona. She has taught students with dyslexia aged 5 through 19 using the Wilson Reading System for 22 years. She has been a Wilson Language Trainer since 2004 and works both for the local partnership, Learning Techniques, […]

Learn more about this instructor
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Supporting Teachers

Hoehl Institute for Professional Learning

The Cynthia K. Hoehl Institute for Excellence provides high-quality professional learning to educators. Learn more about Cynthia K. Hoehl, whose vision as an educator inspired a powerful legacy.

About Hoehl Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Wilson® Language Training FAQs

What terms and conditions are there for professional learning registrations?

Please read the terms and conditions for our courses and workshops and contact us if you have any questions.

How do I register?

  1. If the course or workshop you’re interested in is on our website, please visit the course or workshop’s page and follow the link to access our online registration form. Complete the form by doing the following:
    1. Indicate whether you will pay with a credit card or a Purchase Order (PO).
    2. Fill out the participant information and workshop information sections.
    3. Read the Terms and Conditions and check the box to confirm your agreement.
    4. Click “Next”
  2. If you are paying with a PO:
    1. Please verify that your PO is complete.
    2. Upload the signed PO when prompted through the registration process. If you have questions please email: proflearning@sterncenter.org.
    3. Click “Next.”
    4. Your information will be sent to us to review. In 1–2 business days, we will confirm your registration by sending you an email with “Registration Confirmation” in the subject line.
  3. If you are paying with a credit card:
    1. Click “Continue.”
    2. On the Payment Method screen Click “Pay with Credit Card” to continue to Authorize.net.
    3. Enter your credit card information and click “Pay now” to complete your credit card transaction.
    4. Your information will be sent to us to review. In 1–2 business days, we will confirm your registration by sending you an email with “Registration Confirmation” in the subject line.
  4. If the course or workshop you’re interested in is not listed on our website, please contact us to learn more.

Is there research to prove the efficacy of Wilson Language Training® Programs?

Wilson Language Training programs, materials, and professional learning are proven effective in developing the reading skills of individuals with a language-based learning disability or who have otherwise struggled to learn to read. Read more at wilsonlanguage.com.

Do I need to register with Wilson® after I enroll in the course or workshop with the Stern Center?

If you wish to receive a certificate of attendance, access additional resources, and register for graduate credit (when available), you will need to pre-register with Wilson. These resources and materials are only available through Wilson.

Wilson® Language Training Resources

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Wilson® Accredited Partner

We are an Accredited Training Partner, offering training in the Wilson Reading System®, Fundations®, and Just Words®.

Accreditation Info
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Wilson Language Training®

For 35 years, Wilson Language Training has been offering research-based multisensory, structured literacy programs.

Learn more about Wilson
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Wilson® Courses/Workshops

View upcoming Wilson Language Training courses and workshops. All of our Wilson offerings are available online.

View Wilson courses
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Our Reach by the Numbers

2,250+

Teachers Served Every Year

When a teacher takes one of our courses, the positive impact ripples beyond one life, spreading through an entire classroom, school, and community.

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Our Reach by the Numbers

13,891+

Student Services Hours This Year

We offer one-on-one teaching that transforms lives, lifts up voices, and inspires learners to bring forth their unique gifts to a world that awaits them.

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Our Reach by the Numbers

94%

of Vermont School Districts Served

We celebrate the dedication of our school partners and share their commitment to a brighter future for all learners.

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Our Reach by the Numbers

37

States and Counting

We’re a national leader in language and literacy. Our impact currently extends across 37 states and 9 countries through the thousands of educators we reach and students we serve.

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For questions about courses and workshops, email proflearning@sterncenter.org, call 802-878-2332, or fill out the form below.

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Stern Center for Language and Learning

183 Talcott Rd #101
Williston, VT 05495
Phone: 802-878-2332
Fax: 802-878-0230
EIN:  222485793

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