Who should enroll?
Educators in all capacities, parents, psychologists, private practitioners, SLPs, advocates, district staff, school staff, etc.
Defining Dyslexia: What it is, what it isn’t and how to help
Class Dates
01/20/25 – 02/14/25
03/17/25 – 04/11/25
05/12/25 – 06/06/25
07/14/25 – 08/08/25
09/15/25 – 10/10/25
FEE: $225
Register
In this four-week course, participants will be introduced to the signs and symptoms of dyslexia and discuss popular myths. We will discuss what dyslexia is, what it isn’t and what the appropriate interventions should include. Participants will be given the opportunity to have in-depth discussions about structured literacy approaches and about the literacy research that supports it for students with dyslexia. While this class is asynchronous, it is also taught by a seasoned instructor, so you will have the opportunity to have your questions answered while also building a community with other participants. You will be given many opportunities to engage and discuss simulations.
This course uses an asynchronous format. You can access the course and materials at your pace throughout the week. New content is released every Monday at 10:00am PST. It is expected that the content will be completed by the end of each week. Click here for more information about the structure of the course.
Topics Covered:
- What Dyslexia is and what it isn’t.
- What an appropriate intervention includes.
- A discussion about the current research that supports a structured literacy approach.
- A discussion about appropriate accommodations.
Instructors: All DTI courses are taught by a seasoned instructor who helps build community within the course as well as provides an opportunity to have questions answered.
Required Text: Overcoming Dyslexia, Sally Shaywitz
This text is not included in the registration fee and is to be purchased separately and prior to the start of the course.
All supplemental materials and videos are included within the course site.
Graduate Extension Credits are available from the University of San Diego. More Information
**This course can be customized for groups (e.g. districts, schools, parent, advocacy).
Speaker Bios and Disclosures
Kelli Sandman-Hurley, Ed.D.
About Dr. Kelli Sandman-Hurley
Kelli Sandman-Hurley, Ed.D. is the author and founder of the Dyslexia Training Institute. She is a national speaker, advocate and expert witness for students and their families. Dr. Kelli has studied Structured Word Inquiry (SWI), the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach, Lindamood-Bell, RAVE-O and Read Naturally. She co-created and produced “Dyslexia for a Day: A Simulation of Dyslexia,” as well as writing the well-received books, Dyslexia Advocate! How to Advocate for a Child with Dyslexia within the Public Education System, Dyslexia & Spelling: Making Sense of it All and The Adult Side of Dyslexia.
Dr. Kelli earned a Doctorate in Literacy with a specialization in dyslexia from San Diego State University and the University of San Diego. Her love of language led her to earn an additional MA degree in Linguistics from San Diego State University as well as a TESOL certificate from UC San Diego.
When she is not working, you can find Dr. Kelli spending time with her son, husband, and beloved rescue dog – usually at a baseball game of some sort. If she’s not with them, you can find her on the tennis courts or boarding a plane somewhere.
Disclosures
Financial — Kelli Sandman-Hurley is the founder and owner of the Dyslexia Training Institute. She is also an instructor of online CE courses offered by the Dyslexia Training Institute and receives compensation from the registration fees. She is the author of Dyslexia Advocate, Dyslexia and Spelling, and the Adult Side of Dyslexia and receives royalties.
Nonfinancial — Kelli Sandman-Hurley has no relevant non financial disclosures.
Brittany Martinez
About Brittany Martinez
Brittany Martinez has worked with children in the general education classroom, including English Language Learners, and one-on-one with students with dyslexia. She worked at the San Diego State Children’s Center for four years while getting her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies. Brittany continued her education and earned a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential to teach Elementary School. She has worked for the Dyslexia Training Institute since April of 2012 and has been trained in Structured Word Inquiry(SWI), the Orton-Gillingham approach(OG), and is a Special Education advocate assisting parents through the IEP and 504 Plan process.
Brittany wears many hats at the Dyslexia training institute, including providing one-on-one remediation, teaching online courses, and presents on-site trainings for parents, educators, and private practitioners.
Disclosures
Financial — Brittany Martinez is employed by the Dyslexia Training Institute and she is an instructor of online CE courses offered by the Dyslexia Training Institute and receives a salary.
Nonfinancial — Brittany Martinez has no relevant non financial disclosures.
Tracey Christilles
About Tracey Christilles
Tracey Christilles has been a special education teacher/tutor for the past thirty-one years. She began her career teaching eighth grade in Maine. She also worked in the New Hampshire public schools for twenty-seven years, in grades kindergarten through fourth before her retirement in 2019. Though she teaches all subject areas, her favorites are reading and writing. She is trained in Orton Gillingham and multiple reading programs, including Wilson, SPIRE, Lindamood Bell, RAVE-Oand Project Read.
Tracey is certified as a Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Interventionist through the Center for Effective Reading Instruction as well as a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner. Tracey began working at the Dyslexia Training Institute in March of 2019 as part of the next chapter of her professional career.
Disclosures
Financial — Tracey Christilles is employed by the Dyslexia Training Institute is an instructor of online CE courses offered by the Dyslexia Training Institute and receives a salary.
Nonfinancial — Tracey Christilles has no relevant non financial disclosures.
