Spelling development and instruction: preschool, elementary, and beyond

Teachers will learn the oral language basis of spelling achievement, how this develops typically and how atypical development may present itself. Best practices for teaching regular and special needs students will be provided.

Best Practices in Reading Instruction

Teachers will learn that the reading wars are over, and that we now have substantial empirical data to support a balanced approach to reading instruction that includes phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, as well as how to help students develop a desire to read.  Particular attention will be paid to the struggling reader and what can be done in terms of classroom, remedial, and home instruction.  Dyslexia will be defined and discussed.  Specific methods and materials will be shared.

Read, Write and Learn

Study strategies to facilitate reading comprehension, composition, and test taking will be shared. This course is appropriate for middle and high school teachers. Important topics such as time management, organization, and homework will be addressed.

Introduction to Learning Disabilities: For Teachers

What every teacher needs to know about the atypical learners they will encounter in their classrooms. Prevalence rates for Learning Disabilities have remained stable, ranging from 5 - 10%. Regular education teachers will be offered strategies to identify developmental and academic disabilities, accommodate and intervene, collaborate with parents and special educators, and participate meaningfully in the creation of Individual Education Programs (IEP's).

Introduction to Learning Disabilities: For Parents

What every parent needs to know about variations in learning and learning challenges their children may encounter. Parents will learn how to recognize common "red flags" and the reasons why some children struggle to acquire literacy skills. Common developmental patterns, learning styles, as well as strategies parents can use at home to enhance school success will be shared. Strategies for teachers that not only enhance the learning of children with differences, but those of most children, will be presented. Ample time for parent questions will also be part of the session.

Instructing the Student with a Non-Verbal Learning Disability (NLD)

Students with NLD are all unique, but there are basic characteristics with which all teachers should be familiar. Teaching strategies and accommodations, as well as how to utilize a collaborative teaching model for these children, with be presented.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (including Asperger's Syndrome)

Mary Wright will present the continuum of Autism Spectrum disorders from mild to severe. Basic components of a successful educational program will be discussed, as well as how regular and special education teachers, with the inclusion of parents, can provide meaningful education to students challenged by the varying degrees of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Particular emphasis will be placed on Asperger's Syndrome.

Diagnostic Assessment: Tests, Methods, and Interpretation of Evaluation Data

This inservice is often provided to those professionals who perform assessment, as well as interpret test results for special education eligibility. Best practice in identifying children with learning disorders, as well as gifted potential, will be shared. Test terms and verbiage will be translated into understandable language that can enhance the meaningfulness of assessment data to teachers and parents.

Interventions for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)


Mary Wright has considerable experience evaluating and teaching children with ADHD. Ms. Wright will discuss the diagnostic criteria, why ADHD is over-diagnosed, and how to best enhance the learning of children with ADHD in the classroom and at home.

Teaching Preschoolers with Language Disorders in a Heterogeneous Preschool Classroom Setting

Best practice in maximizing the language development of preschoolers, whose language development is atypical, in the context of a rich classroom experience will be offered. Techniques will be shared in how to use literature to emphasize the development of grammar, semantics, syntax, phonology, and pragmatics. Participants will leave with many new activities and resources.

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