Structured Interventions for Specific Learning Disabilities (K-5)

Do you find yourself at a loss when it comes to addressing the unique challenges faced by students with specific learning disabilities (SLD)? This online course for teachers takes a deep dive into a wide variety of evidence-based practices to help teachers in grades K-5 meet the needs of students with specific learning disabilities. This online course begins with an in-depth overview of dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, as well as additional underlying conditions that are often seen among this student population. As they progress through the course, teachers will learn how to design structured interventions to help students with SLD become successful in the content areas. Teachers will learn about the science of reading — what it is (including an in-depth examination of Scarborough’s Reading Rope), the data behind it, and how Structured Literacy can be harnessed to turn struggling readers into skilled readers. Teachers will learn about language-based learning disabilities and how to design structured language interventions to improve students’ written and oral language skills. Teachers will learn how to leverage the science of math as they guide their students to develop the five skills of math proficiency while managing math anxiety. Executive function deficits are discussed in detail, as these weaknesses are almost always seen in the learning profiles of students with SLD. Teachers will also explore a variety of supports for students with auditory and visual processing disorders, including assistive technology tools and classroom accommodations. By the end of this continuing education course, teachers will have gained valuable insight into specific learning disabilities, and they will feel more confident designing structured interventions as they guide their students to greater success in the content areas.