How To Get Orton-Gillingham “OG” Certified

What Does “OG Certified” Mean?

First, let’s cover a bit of background information. In the past, there was no unified set of standards or certifications for Orton-Gillingham (OG) practitioners. Various organizations issued their own certificates, each with different requirements. 

This was less than ideal because a key aspect of a science-based methodology is consistency.

In response to this problem, the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) sought to create more consistent, research-driven professional development standards for reading instruction:

1. In 2010, IDA issued the Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading (KPS).
2. In 2014, IDA coined the term Structured Literacy  ”as an umbrella term designed to describe all of the programs that teach reading in essentially the same way.” To learn more, read their article about the term Structured Literacy.
3. IDA created an affiliate organization, the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI), to issue “certifications to those who possess the knowledge and skill necessary to implement Structured Literacy practices.”

➡️ Bottom line: IDA accredits training programs, and CERI certifies educators.

Orton-Gillingham Terms & FAQs

Now let’s clarify a few acronyms needed for understanding:

• OG: Orton-Gillingham
  Orton Gillingham is an approach to literacy instruction that is direct, sequential, and multi-sensory (Orton Gillingham is not a program).
  
• SL: Structured Literacy
  Structured Literacy is an approach to literacy rooted in the Science of Reading. It incorporates similar approaches (such as Orton-Gillingham) and includes essential elements of effective instruction and teaching principles.
  
  ➡️ IMPORTANT: There is a strong connection between the terms “Orton-Gillingham” and “Structured Literacy.” 
  
  While they both hold to the same principles and strategies for research-based literacy instruction, Structured Literacy is the more current title that is becoming more widely used.
  
• IDA: International Dyslexia Association
  The leading organization dedicated to the study and treatment of dyslexia.
  
• CERI: The Center for Effective Reading Instruction:
  A subsidiary of the IDA. This is the accrediting body that offers three levels of certifications to qualified individuals.
  
• KPEERI: Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction
  The exam that measures a candidate’s knowledge of the principles and practices of Structured Literacy. This exam must be passed in order to earn certification.
  
• C-SLCT: Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher Knowledge Certificate
  A level of certification given to those who have a minimum of 45 hours of approved OG training and pass the KPEERI exam.
  
• C-SLDI: Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist
  This certification is given to those who have completed a supervised practicum with a minimum of 90 hours with one student and passed the KPEERI exam.
  
• C-SLDS: Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist
  This certification is given to those who have completed a supervised practicum with a minimum of 135 hours and have worked with three heterogeneous students and passed the KPEERI exam. This is the highest certification CERI offers.

What does “Orton-Gillinghan (OG) Certified” mean?

OG Certified is a term commonly used in the literacy community. However, it is not an official certification recognized by the IDA. 

It is used instead to describe an individual who has completed extensive training and coursework, and often involves a supervised practicum from an approved and IDA-accredited program and a passing score on the KPEERI test.

“OG Certified” is a colloquial term taken to mean the person understands the theory, research, and methodology of structured literacy in a deep and informative way.

CERI, the accrediting body of the IDA, offers three levels of certification:

• Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher Knowledge Certificate (SLCT)
• Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist (SLDI)
• Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (SLDS) 

The SLCT certificate is typically for those who teach in general education classrooms, while the SLDI and SLDS certifications are primarily obtained by those who work with individuals and small groups in a private practice environment. Practicum experiences are required for SLDI and SLDS.

What does “Orton-Gillingham (OG) Trained” mean?

OG Trained can vary significantly from person to person in terms of both quality and depth. For instance, someone may be considered “OG Trained” after participating in a brief one-day webinar, while another individual might undergo a comprehensive, year-long in-depth training program.

The quality of the training also depends on the organization providing it, as some programs are more rigorous and thorough than others.

OG training introduces the concepts of the OG approach to participants. Training usually provides an overview of the approach and includes the basic knowledge to implement best practices with students. OG training would be the first step to certification.

➡️ Want to know more? Read our post all about Orton-Gillingham Training Options.

What’s the difference between “OG trained” and “OG certified?”

“OG trained” is another informal designation. It refers to individuals who have participated in some amount of training in Structured Literacy.

“OG Certified” informally refers to an individual who has completed IDA approved training courses, passed the KPEERI exam, and may have also completed a supervised practicum.

Career Opportunities

You might be wondering how OG certification impacts your professional options. Many career opportunities can open up once you have Orton-Gillingham certification!

Public & Private Schools

Adding the OG certification can also provide you with more job opportunities, in both the public and private sector.

• General Education Reading Teacher
  Teach grade-level reading. Since many grades are departmentalized, you can literally teach reading all day long!
• Reading interventionist
  In this role, you can work with struggling or reluctant readers – catching them up using research-based methods.
• Special Education Dyslexia Specialist
  Work directly with kids who have been diagnosed with dyslexia and other learning differences.
• District-Wide Dyslexia Advisor
  Most states require at least one dyslexia advisor per district. As a district advisor, you can answer questions, share best practices, and line up quality professional development opportunities for teachers.

Many public schools will be looking for candidates with a state teaching license, but since we are currently facing a national teacher shortage, being OG Certified is a big selling point and may be just what you need to get hired! It also costs a lot less than a Master’s degree.

Private Tutoring

Whether you’re looking to leave the classroom or just supplement your teaching income, private tutoring is one of the best options out there for teachers. You can explore different options based on your goals. 

• Virtual Tutoring: Provides tons of flexibility and convenience. It can be super effective if you have the curriculum, technology, and materials needed.
• In-Person Tutoring: Tutoring 1-1 with students is an awesome opportunity to build relationships locally and help students make measurable gains.

For both options above, you’ll need to consider whether you want to work for an established practice or build up your own. Both will take quite a bit of networking. 

If you are thinking you’d like to start private therapy, but may have trouble finding students, you will want to consider working for Lexercise!

Lexercise Therapist

You can choose Lexercise to complete your practicum and earn your SLCT certificate. When it’s completed, you are qualified to work as a Lexercise Dyslexia Therapist. 

If your structured literacy certification included a practicum similar to Lexercise’s program, you can work for Lexercise. You’d complete their test-out requirements for Course 1 & 2 and then take a course on mastering the technology for teletherapy.

Then, you’re ready to interview and join an established Therapy Group where students will be automatically added to your calendar based on your availability!

You can even create your own sub-therapy group like I did. Using Lexercise’s amazing platform, you can build a successful online practice and have other OG Certified therapists working for you! 

Get more information about being a Lexercise Therapist.

♥ What I Loved

Reflecting on my experience, there were SO many things I loved about the practicum experience and becoming OG Certified.

Measured Student Gains

I worked with three heterogeneous students, teaching various concepts and levels of instruction. And all three of my students, each diagnosed with dyslexia, advanced so much in such a short amount of time!

One student improved one level, another student improved two levels, and the third student improved three levels, just in the first eight weeks!

And it wasn’t just me who was impressed. By the end of my practicum, the parents were so impressed with their child’s progress and gained confidence that two of the three families decided to continue with therapy through Lexercise!

Guided & Individualized Support

The support system in place for practicum students at Lexercise is amazing! Just when I was scheduled to begin my practicum, a very difficult personal situation interrupted my plans, and Lexercise was able to hold my spot and give me the extra few weeks needed to handle things.

Once I got started, it was incredibly helpful to have a knowledgeable and accessible practicum supervisor. Our weekly meetings ensured that I was on track, learning, and could troubleshoot issues with her expert advice and insight. Anytime I had a question, she was just an email or text away!

I received all of my feedback the same day I submitted my lessons and assignments. The whole team ensured that this was a positive learning experience for me.

Platform

I loved having access to Lexercise’s entire platform, including assessments, curriculum, and a manual for continued support.

Going into the practicum, I felt like I had a good deal of knowledge about structured literacy, but through the experience of using their curriculum and other materials, I truly feel as though I became a skilled expert! I was challenged and changed in all the best ways.

Preparation

I passed the KPEERI test on the first try!

I felt confident and extremely well prepared going into the exam, because every aspect of my practicum was intentionally aligned with the CERI Knowledge and Practice Standards and the IDA’s standards-based Educator Training Initiatives.

I had previously completed Lexercise’s Course 1, The Structure of Written English, which definitely helped prepare me too.

Job Opportunity

I am so proud to say that I am an official Lexercise Therapist. When I was nearing the end of my practicum, I made the decision to start my own sub-therapy group, Literacy Learn Reading Services.

The same week my practicum ended, my practicum student just transferred right on over to my professional account, and I started getting paid the very next week! I also started getting leads for new clients immediately. It was truly a seamless transition!

Conclusion

Earning Orton-Gillingham certification has been one of the BEST things I’ve done professionally. As educators, it equips us with specialized skills to effectively support students with dyslexia and other reading challenges. 

Let us know in the comments below – Are you interested in starting your journey toward becoming an Orton-Gillingham certified educator? Have you already started? We’d love to hear from you!

Visit Lexercise for more information on the professional development and career opportunities they offer!

Recommended Reading

• My Dyslexia Therapy Group
• Tips for Teachers to Make OG Lessons Fun!
• All About Using Sound Walls in your Classroom
• Phoneme Manipulation: What is it?