Swift Institute for Learning
The mission of the Swift Institute for Learning is to advance the understanding of dyslexia, language-based learning differences, and related learning difficulties.
The Institute is where parents and education professionals come to learn to better understand and support children who are experiencing difficulties in acquiring language literacy skills. Swift School faculty and visiting experts conduct free workshops throughout the school year on subjects ranging from social emotional learning (SEL) and understanding language-based learning differences to dyslexia simulations and instructional technology. Information presented in Swift Institute workshops is based on research and evidence-based practices.
Swift Institute for Learning workshops are open to the Swift community and the general public. Participation is free but reservations are required.
The Institute also offers Orton-Gillingham training courses and multisensory math overviews and workshops for a fee.
Upcoming Events
- Content
Experience Dyslexia - January 15, 2025 (6:00 p.m.) - In Person
Experience Dyslexia® is a simulation that is designed to increase awareness of the difficulties and frustrations that people with dyslexia (a specific language learning disability) experience daily. Participants will leave the exercises with insight into working effectively with students with dyslexia and with greater empathy and understanding for the challenges people with this learning difference face. It is engaging, enlightening, quite possibly an emotional experience.
The Anxious Generation Discussion - January 15, 2025 (6:30 p.m.) - Virtual
Swift School is participating in the Same Boat Book Club alongside Courage, The Cottage School, The Howard School, The Sage School, and The Schenck School. Zoom discussions with participating schools are taking place in the fall. On January 15, 2025, Head of School Chris Pomar is hosting a virtual discussion for Swift families only on The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness pertains to Swift School and our students. The event is free but RSVPs are required.
Unlock the Secrets to Supporting Your Anxious Child: A Parent’s Guide to Effective Strategies - January 28, 2025 (6:30 p.m.) - Presented by Teresa Whitfall - Virtual
Join us virtually for an engaging presentation designed to give parents a deeper understanding of their child’s anxiety and practical tools to help them thrive. Discover how anxiety affects your child’s mind, learn actionable skills to support their journey, and gain clarity on what strategies work best—and which ones to avoid. We’ll also introduce Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a powerful approach that not only alleviates anxiety but also empowers your child to regain control and confidence. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your child’s challenges into stepping stones for growth and resilience.
Marilyn Zecher’s Multisensory Math Approach Overview (Presented by Julie Eden) - In-Person - February 1 and 8, 2025 - $350
The Winter Multisensory Math Overview will introduce educators to innovative techniques for teaching mathematics in a hands-on, multisensory way. Participants will learn tangible strategies to make math more accessible for diverse learners. Participants should attend both dates – February 1, 2025 and February 8, 2025. The cost includes all materials and a light breakfast. The overview will take place at Swift School.
Demystifying Psychological Evaluations: A Comprehensive Overview - March 6, 2025 (6:30 p.m.) - Presented by Diana Leung and Dr. Sally Galanti - Virtual
Join us for an informative session at the Swift Institute for Learning where we'll dive deep into the world of psychological evaluations. This presentation is designed to equip participants with a clearer understanding of the evaluation process, the language used to interpret results, and the cognitive processes assessed. Key takeaways include understanding reports, decoding the language in psychological reports, and visualizing results. Attendees will work in groups to analyze a fictitious student profile and plot their results on a bell curve. Participants will then discuss the strengths, weaknesses, and implications of the student profile.
Past Events
Experience Dyslexia® - September 2024
Experience Dyslexia® is a simulation that is designed to increase awareness of the difficulties and frustrations that people with dyslexia (a specific language learning disability) experience daily. Participants left the exercises with insight into working effectively with students with dyslexia and with greater empathy and understanding for the challenges people with this learning difference face.
Language and Literacy Connection - September 2024
Language and literacy are deeply connected. Proficiency in oral language skills serves as a strong foundation for literacy development, enhancing vocabulary, comprehension, phonemic awareness, syntax, and fluency. It is critical to nurture both oral language and literacy skills in educational settings to promote effective communication and reading and writing success.
Practice Makes Better: A Guide to Supporting Executive Functioning Development - October 1, 2024 (6:30 p.m.) -
Presented by Tatiana Matthews, LPC, CRC - Virtual
Join us virtually for this exciting presentation! Is your student struggling with organization, time management, or staying focused? Executive functioning challenges can significantly impact a student’s academic success and personal growth. But you don’t have to navigate this alone! In this essential presentation, Tatiana Matthews will cover:
● What executive functioning is and why it’s crucial
● The common reasons some students face difficulties
● Effective strategies and systems to support and enhance executive functioning
Empower yourself with practical tools and insights to help your student thrive. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or counselor, this session will equip you with the knowledge to make a difference.
Supporting Broad Math Concepts at Home - October 9, 2024 (6:30 p.m.) - Presented by Julie Eden - Virtual
Are you ready to transform math learning at home? Join us for an enlightening presentation, "Supporting Broad Math Concept
Why Some Students Struggle With Math and What We Can Do About It - November 13, 2024 (6:30 p.m.) - Presented by Julie Eden - In-Person - "POSTPONED - TBD"
Julie Eden, a certified multisensory math practitioner at the Swift School, will be delivering an insightful presentation by Marilyn Zecher, CALT on the challenges students with language-based learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, face in math. Difficulties in auditory processing, working memory, short-term memory, executive function, and ADHD can all significantly impact a student's ability to grasp mathematical concepts. Drawing on the latest research and evidence, multisensory instruction is imperative for effectively supporting these students, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in their math learning journey. This is an on campus presentation and is open to the community.