Summer Programs for Students, Teachers, & Parents

Not all summer reading programs, or reading tutors can properly address the learning needs of students with characteristics of dyslexia, or dyslexia. Programs and tutors that use an evidence based "structured literacy" approach to instruction are preferred. However, students with dyslexia and characteristics of dyslexia will benefit from multisensory evidence-based dyslexia-specific instruction and intervention. Here are some local options to choose from: 

Summer Reading Programs

1. SMILA's Summer Reading Clinic - a 50% discount is available for MSCS students

2. Bodine School’s Summer Reading Program - apply quickly to secure a place

3. Dyslexia Foundation of Memphis - summer session (Saturdays only)

Research suggests that students with dyslexia benefit most from receiving intensive dyslexia-specific instruction/intervention two to four times a week, However, for families who do not have that option available, the Dyslexia Foundation of Memphis is certainly worth exploring.  This program offers tutor training at the beginning of each 12-week session,

More programs will be added as we become aware of them.

Private Tutors

If you want to your learner to experience the benefit of dyslexia-specific reading instruction and intervention this summer, consider engaging a private tutor, who is qualified to address the needs of your learner with fidelity.  

Appropriate qualifications for a dyslexia tutor include an ALTA certified dyslexia professional, an OGA-Associate in training or above (an OGA-CE certificate alone is not a qualification for working with struggling readers, or those with dyslexia and characteristics of dyslexia), a CERI SLD-I in training or above. This list of qualifications is not exhaustive. It is important that you do your homework.  Follow this link to search by state or city for ALTA certified dyslexia professionals. This IDA-TN page provides links to additional directories, 

Some dyslexia tutors are trained to use a specific evidence-based dyslexia-specific, or Orton-Gillingham based programs, and do not have an independent qualification, e.g. Wilson Reading System, S.P.I.R,E., Barton Reading & Spelling System, etc. These tutors should only use the program that they are trained in.

If a prospective tutor is properly qualified or is using a dyslexia-specific program with fidelity, they will share that information and answer your questions. 

1. Bodine School is offering a one-week course of study, at St. Anne Catholic School in Bartlett. This course will enable you to better understand how to support the learning needs of all students in the regular education classroom and at home. 

2. SMILA is offering a three-week course of study and practicum. This course will enable you to support learners with dyslexia, and characteristics of dyslexia by providing them with Orton-Gillingham based, dyslexia specific instruction and intervention. The second year SMILA graduate is eligible to sit for the ALTA CALP examination.  Public school districts can utilize Title I funds to help with the cost of this training. Parents of learners with dyslexia and characteristics of dyslexia can take advantage of this learning experience at a reduced rate.

3. Dyslexia Foundation of Memphis has been offering services to dyslexic learners for over 50 years in varying capacities. For many parents and caregivers this is the only cost-effective solution for learning about dyslexia and how to address the learning needs of dyslexic learners. By undertaking the tutor training and becoming a tutor, parents and caregivers can reduce the cost of their learner's tuition. 

More options will be added as we become aware of them.