Dyslexia Endorsement
The UGA Mary Frances Early College of Education’s 15-hour online Dyslexia Endorsement provides teachers, clinicians, and specialists with specific knowledge related to reading and language development, assessment, instruction, and remediation of reading disability.
This program is offered as a stand-alone endorsement program or as an endorsement program embedded in a GaPSC-approved initial preparation program (e.g., B.S.Ed.; M.A.T.) or an advanced (degree-only) preparation program (e.g., M.Ed.; Ed.S.).
Highlights
- Courses aligned with the International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading
- Field-based experiences reflect current research on reading science and best practices in teaching reading and literacy.
- Video-based, engaging curriculum ensures that candidates engage in the practice of teaching while receiving the feedback necessary to gain fluency and confidence in their practice.
- Faculty engagement at the local, state, and national levels working to shape policy and inform practice.
Curriculum
The Dyslexia Endorsement courses are aligned with the International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading and provide students with practical, hands-on training and experience with research-based methods for reading instruction and intervention. Students will receive:
- foundational content that will result in a comprehensive understanding of dyslexia and other learning disabilities
- direct training in research-based curricula, and
- fieldwork in delivering reading instruction to elementary and secondary students who struggle with reading.
Completion of the Dyslexia Endorsement requires 15 semester hours (completed in 3-5 semesters) of specific reading and language-related coursework and an 8-week Summer practicum in Intensive Reading Interventions in which students will demonstrate proficiency in working in small groups or one-to-one with students at risk for or who are experiencing reading difficulties.
Upon completion of the program, candidates will be prepared for and complete the International Dyslexia Association’s Structured Literacy exam, the KPEERI .
Courses
- EDSE 5120E/7120E*: Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities
- EDSE 5150E/7150E: Designing Reading Interventions for Special Education
- EDSE 5020E/7020E: Assessment of Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities
- EDSE 5250E/7250E: Teaching Writing to Students with Disabilities
- EDSE 5770E/7770E**: Practicum in Intensive Reading Intervention
* Must be taken in the first semester of the program. ** Must be taken after EDSE 5150E/7150E has been completed.
Georgia Department of Education Partnership
In a partnership between the Mary Frances Early College of Education and the Georgia Department of Education, Dr. Kristin Sayeski created a four-part video series that begins with an overview of the characteristics of dyslexia, followed by explanations of the relationship between reading development and dyslexia. Next, common questions about dyslexia and services offered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are answered. The series ends with a description of what a structured literacy approach to reading instruction means and what this looks like for students with dyslexia.
How to Apply
All applicants must complete the College’s internal endorsement application form in addition to any other applications required by the endorsement program or UGA Graduate School.
The Dyslexia Endorsement may be completed independently as a non-degree (endorsement-only) course sequence or integrated into the program of study of undergraduate (B.S.Ed.) or graduate (M.A.T., M.Ed., Ed.S.) degree-seeking students.
Currently, enrolled students may add the endorsement course sequence by completing the Endorsement Application Form . Candidates who are interested in obtaining the Dyslexia Endorsement as a non-degree student must be admitted to the UGA Graduate School .
Current UGA Students
- Complete the endorsement application for admission . It can take up to one month for your application to be reviewed and processed.
- If you have not received an email about your application within a month, please contact Kristin Sayeski .
NON-DEGREE SEEKING APPLICANTS
- Apply through the Graduate School Admissions Portal . In the application, select the following:
- Campus: Athens
- Degree Level: Endorsement
- Intended Program: Non-Degree, Teaching Endorsement
- Area of Emphasis: Dyslexia
- When completing your Graduate School application, please include the following documents:
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
Upon admission to the program, please complete a brief, internal endorsement application form .
Deadline to Apply
- May 1 (Summer admission)
- July 1 (Fall admission)
- December 1 (Spring admission)
Additional Resources
Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.
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