Orton-Gillingham
The foundation of our immersive academic program is the Orton-Gillingham Approach, which provides guiding principles for instruction and emphasizes multisensory techniques that engage the auditory, visual, tactile, and kinesthetic pathways.
Although Swift School's intensive reading and language arts instruction is the foremost consideration, the subjects of math, social studies, and science are also taught using principles of the Approach. We recognize the critical importance of having Orton-Gillingham Fellows on staff to train and support all teachers. We employ two Fellows who provide classroom coaching, mentor and collaborate with teachers through professional development, and ensure that students receive the highest quality reading intervention services.
OG Instruction
The Structured Literacy class provides students with the “code” of language through direct, explicit, and simultaneous multisensory teaching of how spoken and written language connect. This instruction based upon the OG Principles addresses the specific needs of students with reading and spelling difficulties. This evidence-based approach prioritizes small group instruction delivered daily, allowing for personalized attention and targeted skill development. The Orton-Gillingham Approach is particularly effective because it incorporates structured phonics instruction and sequential skill building, which assist students in developing strong decoding abilities and reading fluency. Through consistent daily practice in small group settings, students receive the intensive support necessary to overcome reading challenges and build confidence in their literacy skills. This instructional model ensures that each student receives the focused, repetitive practice essential for mastering foundational reading concepts while maintaining engagement through varied multisensory activities.
OG Coursework & Swift's Teachers
All Swift teachers take part in the full Orton-Gillingham Association (OG) Associate Level course, which includes 70+ hours of instruction. Upon completion of the Associate Level coursework, all Swift teachers are supported by the Orton-Gillingham Fellows and Administration to further their OG credentials by completing an Associate Level and/or Certified Level practicum. For the OG Associate Level credential, teachers work with a student 1:1 for a minimum of 100 lessons and complete at least 10 observations by an OG Fellow over a minimum of an eight-month period. For the Certified Level credential, teachers complete a 100+ hour course and work 1:1 with 2 students for a minimum of 200 hours with 10 observations by an OG Fellow. A portfolio submission for both credentials is required.
Swift School currently has on staff:
2 - Orton-Gillingham Fellows (this is the highest credential level)
1 - Certified Level Credentialed Teacher
3 - Enrolled in in Certified Level Practicum
8 - Associate Level Credentialed Teachers
6 - Enrolled in Associate Level Practicum
18 - Classroom Educator Credentialed Teachers