Tutors & Reading Programs 

If you want to your learner to experience the benefit of dyslexia-specific reading instruction and intervention this, consider engaging a 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 certification 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. 

These directories can assist in identifying a qualified tutor for your learner: 

ALTA - certified dyslexia professionals

IDA - Tennessee endorsed tutor lists  

OGA - Certified Orton-Gillingham Academy Tutor recommendations are available upon request

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 to ensure fidelity.

If a prospective tutor is properly qualified or is using a dyslexia-specific program with fidelity, they will share that information with you and will give clear answers when asked questions about their specific qualifications or instructional methods. 

Not all 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 structured literacy instruction and intervention. Here are some local options to choose from: 

1. SMILA's Summer Reading Clinic - a 50% discount is available for MSCS students when the Reading clinic is at an MSCS school

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

3. Dyslexia Foundation of Memphis - Year-round sessions (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.

1. Bodine School offers educational opportunities throughout the year, including a one-week course of study during the summer. These sessions are designed to help participants better understand and support the learning needs of students in both the regular education classroom and at home.

2. SMILA is offers a three-week course of intensive study and practicum, during the summer. This course will nable 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 Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) and Title I funds, to help cover the cost of this training for teachers. 

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.