Star Report 08.16.19 Education at Swift—not just for 1st through 8th graders
Swift School's commitment to serving people with language-based learning differences goes well beyond educating students in the 1st through 8th grades. It extends to advancing the understanding of dyslexia, language-based learning differences and related learning difficulties in the broader community. The Swift Institute for Learning is the division of Swift that fulfills on this commitment, providing a wide selection of free workshops and Orton-Gillingham training (for a fee) to the Swift community, education professionals and the general public. Topics covered in workshops range from social-emotional learning (SEL) to understanding language-based learning differences, dyslexia simulations and assistive technology. All sessions are led by experts in their fields who are dedicated to research and evidence-based practice.
The Institute's first offering for the 2019-20 school year is the Experience Dyslexia® Simulations workshop. The simulations, designed by the Northern California Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, are designed to increase awareness of the difficulties and frustrations that people with dyslexia experience daily. Year after year this free session is very popular and will fill up fast. To register, visit the Swift website.
The Orton-Gillingham Subscriber Course led by Swift's OG Fellow-in-Training Natalie Felix is another high value fall program. Felix enthusiastically recommends this training for Swift parents. "When a parent deepens their understanding of how their child is being taught, that strengthens the school/teacher/parent partnership which in turn helps the student reach their potential," she explains. Click here for more information and to register for the course.
2019-20 Swift Institute Programs
Free Workshops
Experience Dyslexia® Simulations Tuesday, September 17, 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Understanding Executive Function Tuesday, October 22, 6:30–8:00 p.m. Visiting Expert: Dr. Mary Danielak
OG in the Classroom Tuesday, October 29, 8:15 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Social-Emotional Wellness Tuesday, November 12, 8:15 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Leader: Swift School Counselor Sandee Isaacs
Social-Emotional Learning: Helping Kids with Learning Differences Tuesday, February 11, 6:30–8:00 p.m. Visiting Expert: Dr. Greer Ezrine
Experience Dyslexia® Simulations Tuesday, March 17, 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Workshops are free but space is limited and registration is required. Click here to register.
Orton-Gillingham Courses
Orton-Gillingham Subscriber Course Saturday, October 26, 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Leader: Orton-Gillingham Fellow-in-Training Natalie Felix Cost: $200
There's more to come! Watch the Swift Institute web page for additional workshops and OG trainings which will be posted in the coming months.
Program Start Dates: Above & Beyond clubs begin the week of August 19. News Events |