Sign Up for an Upcoming Wilson Reading System Course ®
Apr. 30 – May 2, 2024: WRS Advanced Strategies for MSL Group Instruction Course
May 21 – May 23, 2024: WRS Introductory Course
Professional Learning Opportunities for School Districts and Educators
Banyan School is honored to be a Wilson® Accredited Partner for Wilson Language Training ® (WLT) which allows us to deliver Wilson Reading System ® (WRS) professional learning to school districts and educators.
The Wilson Reading System is a research-based structured multisensory literacy program based on the Orton-Gillingham principles.
The Wilson Reading System is an intensive Tier 3 reading program for students who have not achieved success with traditional instructional methods. As part of the WRS program, students receive specialized instruction in:
- Decoding
- Encoding
- High frequency words
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Fluency
The program is aligned to the Common Core Learning Standards and provides daily progress monitoring and prescriptive systematic instruction.
WRS Introductory Course
The 3-day Wilson Reading System (WRS) Introductory Course provides an overview of the Wilson Reading System® 4th Edition curriculum and serves as the prerequisite for WRS Level I Certification.
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This course presents teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the five principles of literacy instruction that align with the Common Core Learning Standards (Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary, Fluency, Comprehension)
WRS Level I Certification
The WRS Intensive Instruction for the Non-Responsive Reader (Steps 1-6) Online Course and WRS Steps 1-6 Practicum is intended to prepare the participant to effectively implement a multisensory structured language (MSL) reading program…
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…with a student reading and spelling below grade level, including those individuals diagnosed with a language-based learning disability, such as dyslexia.
Each participant will acquire a sophisticated working knowledge of the sound-symbol system of English (phonology), the rules that govern spelling in the English language, and its structure (morphology), as well as the use of specific diagnostic instructional methods.
Satisfying the requirements of this course includes the identification, assessment, and approval of a practicum student in grades 4-13 with significant word-level deficits. This practicum student must be available for a minimum 2-3 tutoring lessons per week until practicum requirement of a minimum 65 lessons are met (typically one school year). Each session requires 60-90 minutes in length.
Prerequisite: WRS Introductory Course within the past 5 years
Duration: Participants are encouraged to complete WRS Level I Certification within a school year, if site-based. All coursework must be completed within twelve months.
WRS Advanced Strategies for Multisensory Structured Language Group Instruction Course
This 3-day course delves into essential strategies to improve all aspects of WRS small-group instruction through hands-on practice and discussion.
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Participants will examine the specifics of each WRS lesson plan block, with an increased focus on vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency instruction.
Course Components:
- Intensive Intervention
- 5 Factors for Successful WRS Group Instruction
- Creating Word Consciousness
- WRS Lesson Blocks 1, 2, & 3
- The Role of Spelling in Writing Fluency
- Schwa Sound
- Comprehension
- Text Complexity: Informative & Narrative Text Structures
- Wilson Fluency® Basic/Formalized Fluency Text Instruction
- Wilson Academy®
This course serves as a prerequisite to participate in WRS Group Mastery Practicum, which is one component out of four to achieve the WRS Level II Certification.
Available Courses
We understand the challenges of learning to read and write, especially for students who have a language-based learning disability.
Click here to view current research on Wilson Language Training’s website.
Wilson’s programs feature research-based, systematic, and multisensory structured language curricula to help every student succeed. Students learn to read step-by-step, starting with the basic structure and rules of our language, then building to more advanced lessons over time. We have seen these programs transform students’ lives by giving them the tools to read and write, building confidence, and empowering them to achieve their dreams.
Each program is geared to support specific student needs:
WRS Introductory Course
- Three consecutive days
- 16.5 instructional hours
- Virtual & In-Person opportunities are available
Cost: $650 per person (includes course manual)
It is highly recommended to purchase the WRS INTRODUCTORY SET (STEPS 1-6), 4TH EDITION, available here.
WRS Advanced Strategies for Multisensory Structured Language Group Instruction Course
- Three consecutive days
- 15 instructional hours
- Virtual & In-Person opportunities are available
Cost: $650 per person (includes course manual handout)
Materials: Purchase the WRS INTRODUCTORY SET (STEPS 1-6), 4TH EDITION, available here.
WRS Level I Certification
- Open enrollment
- Virtual
Cost: $2,500 (does not include materials)
Materials: Purchase the WRS INTRODUCTORY SET (STEPS 1-6), 4TH EDITION, available here.
WRS Group Mastery Practicum
- Open enrollment
- Virtual
Cost: $1,000 (does not include materials)
Materials: Purchase the WRS INTRODUCTORY SET (STEPS 1-6), 4TH EDITION, available here.
WRS Steps 7 - 12 Practicum
- Open enrollment
- Virtual
Cost: $1,200 (does not include materials)
Materials: Purchase the WRS ADVANCED SET (STEPS 7-12), 4TH EDITION, available here.
Registration for the WRS Advanced Word Study Online Course (Steps 7-12) directly through Wilson Language Training is required.
Wilson Language Training® and Wilson® Accredited Partners have received Accreditation Plus by the International Dyslexia Association® (IDA). This designation recognizes that Wilson Reading System® certifications align with the IDA’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading.
Jennifer Kempton
M.Ed., W.C.T., W.D.T.
Wilson® Credentialed Trainer
Wilson® Dyslexia Therapist
Reading Specialist
Cara Greenwood
M.Ed., W.C.T., W.D.T.
Margaret Kiwior
MA, Sp. Ed., W.D.T.
What are the Benefits of Wilson® Professional Learning?
Teachers and instructors who participate in Wilson professional learning:
- Become proficient at teaching structured literacy.
- Gain the confidence, skills, and experience necessary to successfully teach reading and spelling. Can become teacher-leaders.
- May become certified to teach students with dyslexia.
- Learn to teach reading and spelling using a straightforward, experiential learning approach that supports the goals, principles, and recommended practices of implementation science.
- Acquire multisensory teaching strategies and a comprehensive understanding of the structure of the English language.
- Improve the ability to plan and implement a coherent lesson based on the diverse needs of students.
- Learn to teach Wilson® programs with fidelity through the guidance of our experts.
- Gain ongoing support for continuous improvement through the online Wilson Academy® Learning Communities, which deliver reference and instructional materials and networking opportunities.
- May receive graduate credit for qualifying coursework through Fitchburg State University.