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REGISTER HERE
Contemporary Issues: Helping Students with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and other Disorders on the Spectrum

This self-paced, online Moodle course is intended for those who are interested in learning how to identify and help students who struggle with language learning in school contexts. In particular, the focus is on how to reframe traditional approaches to instruction in favor of multi-sensory and other student-centered approaches. Major course objectives are to help class participants become more confident with identifying symptoms of various disorders and identifying instructional approaches that honor the individual learner.

Course description​:
This 8 week, two-credit offering is based on the premise that children of all ages and across grade levels can learn, but that they do so differently. We know that for some students, learning to read and write will be one of the most challenging school tasks they will ever undertake. Accordingly, practitioners must be knowledgeable about (1) the spectrum of oral and written language disabilities and (2) how a teacher can be an academic coach-guide who helps all students experience success. We will study what experts in the field have to say about learning disorders and consider how teachers can rethink their current practices, identifying ways to differentiate learning to maximize individual student success.

This course is the equivalent to 30 classroom hours (30 OPI professional development units), which is the equivalent of 2 university credits. This is a self-paced course, but do not expect to complete it in one sitting! Course participants must be comfortable working independently and be self-motivated to complete all work within the flexible time frame. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU DON'T REGISTER FOR MORE THAN TWO COURSES AT ONE TIME.

Instructors:
Erin Lipkind  [email protected] 
Ann Ellsworth   [email protected] 

Registration fee: $289

Credit: 30 OPI Professional Development Units or 2 Semester Credits (semester credit is offered through the University of Montana and is an additional fee of $155; registration forms available in the course Moodle.)

Cost savings: 
*Two in-person U of M Undergraduate credits would cost you $1,206. Two in-person U of M Graduate credits would cost you $1,328.  MTPLC's courses save you 63% and 67% respectively. 
*Two online U of M Undergraduate credits would cost you $666. Two online U of M Graduate credits would cost you $788.  MTPLC's courses save you 33% and 44% respectively. 
*MTPLC's courses can't be used towards a degree program.  They CAN be used for salary schedules and license renewal.

THE COURSE PROCESS:
* Complete this form.
* Within a few days, you will receive an invoice via email.
* Pay the invoice/registration fee (online or by check) in order to begin.
* You will receive a username and password and steps to access the Moodle course.
* The instructor will send an introductory email and you may begin the class.

* If you are taking the course for OPI professional development units, MTPLC will send you them upon completion of the semester.

* If you are taking the course for University credits, you will receive instructions on how to register for and pay the continuing education credit fee after you begin the course.    

* Registrants have one year from the term of registration to complete their course. 
Ex: If you register in February 2025, you have until May 15, 2026 to complete the course.  

Obtaining copies of the books: Check your school /district or local library. Amazon and other online booksellers often have used copies available. The instructor is available to assist with locating copies, if needed.

Event Number:  26551000
EDU 455  EDU 555​

Target audience:​
This course is intended for those who are interested in learning how to identify and help students who struggle with language learning in school contexts. In particular, the focus is on how to reframe traditional approaches to instruction in favor of multi-sensory and other student-centered approaches. Major course objectives are to help class participants become more confident with identifying symptoms of various disorders and identifying instructional approaches that honor the individual learner.

Learning outcomes:
Upon completion of the course:
(1) Students will have researched a dyslexic individual and composed a tribute poem to that individual.
(2) Students will have identified symptoms of dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other disorders on the spectrum.
(3) Students will have identified learning mechanisms that engage struggling learners and encourage their responsiveness to (language) instruction.
(4) Students will have read a book of their choice that deals with learning disorders and analyzed the author’s claims.
(5) Students will have explained why highly structured, multisensory approaches to language fundamentals are more effective than traditional (paper-pencil) approaches.
(6) Students will have evaluated websites, programs, and approaches for struggling and/or dyslexic learners.
(7) Students will have reflected on how classroom procedures for instruction and assessment can be modified to differentiate for the individual learner.​

​About the course facilitator:  
Ann Ellsworth has taught in elementary and secondary schools in Wisconsin and Montana, and has led reading and writing professional development workshops across  Montana and the Midwest. She is the 2019 National Council of Teachers of English's (NCTE) "Grammar Teacher of the Year."   The  Association of Teachers of English Grammar (ATEG)  is an arm of NCTE. She was awarded the 2016 Montana Reading Teacher of the Year, and was a finalist for two national teaching awards. Presently she works with teacher candidates at Montana State University-Bozeman She has served as editor of the MONTANA STATE READING JOURNAL and is working with a publisher  on a book on how to improve student writing.
​
Register at:  https://forms.gle/7Bacqcnanm25SR797

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  • Home
    • Event Calendar
    • Newsletter
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Sponsors/Partners
  • Online Courses
    • MTPLC Online Courses (Full List)
    • Educational Leadership Courses
    • English Language Arts Courses
    • Gifted & Talented Courses
    • IEFA Courses
    • Improving Instructional Practices Courses
    • VESi Courses
  • Workshops & Conferences
    • Workshops >
      • Behavior/Mental Wellness Workshops >
        • Behavior Management Strategies, Feb. 13, 2026
        • Conscious Classroom Mgmt, March 9&16, 2026
        • Cultivating Behavior-Ready Schools, Feb-March 2026
        • Mandt Workshops >
          • MANDT Recertification, March 16, 2026
          • MANDT Training, April 6-7, 2026
        • Question, Persuade, Refer, 2025-26
        • Understanding and Responding to Trauma, Jan-March 2026
        • Understanding & Responding to Interfering Behavior, April 2026
        • UDL for Learners, Jan-Feb, 2026
      • SHINE MT Pediatrics monthly virtual sessions >
        • Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, Feb. 12, 2026
      • Monthly IEFA PD Series, 2025-26
      • Spark Creativity, Jan. 30, 2026
      • Teacher Support: Strategies, Jan-March, 2026
      • What Is UFLI?, Feb. 20, 2026
    • Conferences >
      • ​The 28th Annual AUGUST INSTITUTE >
        • AI Hotel Room Blocks
  • Services/Grants/Programs
    • MTPLC Behavior & School Safety Support
    • MTPLC Special Education Services
    • MT Cares >
      • MT Cares Webinars
      • INCREASE EQUITY OF STUDENT SERVICES Grant
      • CharacterStrong
    • MANDT Training
    • Montana F2F
    • MT Medical Billing
    • Walking YZ Educational Consulting Services