Introduction to Structured Literacy and the Orton-Gillingham Approach

2 Units
Credit Validation

Course Description

Credit Validation for Dyslexia Training Institute Participants Only

Participants will learn terminology used in the Orton-Gillingham (O-G) approach and V/A/TK strategies, how and why the O-G approach included multi sensory teaching/learning, phonemes of the English language, and the importance of clearly isolating each phoneme. An overview of the seven syllable types, using real and nonsense words, syllable division and word patterns will also be included.

Course Details

Number of Units: 2.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend:  This course provides continuing education for educators participating in online course provided by Dyslexia Training Institute.

Audience: K–12 educators (general education, special education, reading specialists), administrators, psychologists, counselors, and education professionals/private practitioners (academic language therapists, tutors, speech-language pathologists), parents, and lifelong learners.

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways.

These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

1. Enroll in this course:

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

2. Click “Add to Cart” located on the right of this page to purchase units. If this course displays “Request Information,” it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment or has already closed for enrollment.

Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

  • U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
  • International addresses: 3–4 weeks

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.

Course Options

Course Date Units Price
EDC-X713A – 063 13 Apr 202608 May 2026 2 $158

Introduction to Structured Literacy and the Orton-Gillingham Approach (prev #: EDU-500JQ)

13 Apr 202608 May 2026
2
$158
Credit Validation
Online (fixed date)

Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, less a $25 fee, if requested within 30 days of enrollment date. There will be no refunds for Credit Validation courses after the allotted 30 days.

Enrollment Open Through: April 13, 2026 – April 22, 2026 (11:59pm PST)

EDC-X713A – 064 15 Jun 202609 Jul 2026 2 $158

Introduction to Structured Literacy and the Orton-Gillingham Approach (prev #: EDU-500JQ)

15 Jun 202609 Jul 2026
2
$158
Credit Validation
Online (fixed date)

Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, less a $25 fee, if requested within 30 days of enrollment date. There will be no refunds for Credit Validation courses after the allotted 30 days.

Enrollment Open Through: June 15, 2026 – June 24, 2026 (11:59pm PST)

EDC-X713A – 065 10 Aug 202604 Sep 2026 2 $158

Introduction to Structured Literacy and the Orton-Gillingham Approach (prev #: EDU-500JQ)

10 Aug 202604 Sep 2026
2
$158
Credit Validation
Online (fixed date)

Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, less a $25 fee, if requested within 30 days of enrollment date. There will be no refunds for Credit Validation courses after the allotted 30 days.

Enrollment Open Through: August 10, 2026 – August 19, 2026 (11:59pm PST)

EDC-X713A – 066 12 Oct 202615 Nov 2026 2 $158

Introduction to Structured Literacy and the Orton-Gillingham Approach (prev #: EDU-500JQ)

12 Oct 202615 Nov 2026
2
$158
Credit Validation
Online (fixed date)

Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, less a $25 fee, if requested within 30 days of enrollment date. There will be no refunds for Credit Validation courses after the allotted 30 days.

Enrollment Open Through: October 12, 2026 – October 21, 2026 (11:59pm PST)

What You Will Learn

  • Define and give examples of multi sensory teaching/learning
  • Explain and define terminology
  • Identify and demonstrate phonemes
  • Select and define appropriate keywords
  • Provide and define examples of the seven syllable types
  • Outline and explain examples of word patterns

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

Informative Stats and Facts

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Learning Method Information

Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational goals.

Online Fixed-Date

Online fixed-date courses are delivered virtually but follow a predetermined schedule, requiring students to complete assignments, participate in discussions, and take assessments by specific deadlines—much like a traditional classroom. The key difference is that while traditional courses are conducted in person at set times and locations, online fixed-date courses allow students to engage remotely, offering more flexibility in where they learn while preserving structure and accountability through fixed timelines.  (Note: Any scheduled Zoom sessions will be outlined on the class schedule.)  These courses have fixed start and finish dates, but as an online student you will have 24/7 online access to your classroom assignments, syllabus and course resources.  Instructor feedback is shared along with the graded assignments.

How is the learning structured? Each online fixed-date course is asynchronous, meaning that you can work on your assignments anytime, although you are required to complete the assignments by specific dates. The course is designed with learning modules where all of the content is grouped into weekly assignments. Each module covers one or more topics. Within each of the learning modules, you can expect the following components:

• Module introduction that outlines what you can expect to learn in the module.

• Required readings (textbook, articles, journals, etc.) and presentations (audio and/or video).

• Assignments with due dates (which may include: written assignments, journal entries, research, blogs, etc.) based on the readings and presentations.

• Discussion forum where you answer prompts from the instructor and interact with your classmates.

• Module conclusion to review the topics and what you should have learned.

Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that culminates all of the topics covered in each of the learning modules. You’ll find that the design of the learning modules has a rhythm to help you manage your time in the course.

Key Benefits of Credit Validation Courses

Make Your Work Count

Earn credit for your previous work in trainings, workshops, and conferences through a simple process.

Advance Faster

Save money by earning credit for work you completed and get one step closer to salary advancement.

Work Towards a Degree

Many receiving institutions may accept credits towards degree programs, giving you a head start in earning a graduate degree.