ASDEC
For Educators
For 25 years, ASDEC master instructors have been delivering accredited clinical training in reading, writing, handwriting, spelling and math. We offer pathways to practice to hundreds of teachers every year pre-k through high school. ASDEC faculty are all Certified Academic Language Therapists who have also been trained in a wide array of specialized reading programs such as Orton-Gillingham, Sounds In Syllables, Alphabetic Phonics, and the Slingerland System. Drawing upon years of experience as therapists and trainers, our faculty develops and delivers multisensory training programs to educators and parents in the Washington, DC region as well as throughout the country and overseas.
ASDEC is the only IMSLEC-Accredited training center that delivers certification pathways in reading and in Math. ASDEC Math Director, Marilyn Zecher, M.A., CALT, has been named the first (and only) Honorary Math Fellow of the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators.
Our Master Instructors design and deliver evidence-based multisensory methods designed to accelerate learning for all students but which are essential for those with learning disabilities. ASDEC experts align multitiered systems of support that enable classroom teachers, para-educators, special educators, and volunteers to learn diagnostic and prescriptive methods which build mastery and automaticity in reading, writing and mathematics. These highly effective practices train educators to deliver multi-part lesson plans interwoven with opportunities for individual and group practice.
Trinity University, Washington, recognizes all ASDEC courses as meeting their rigorous standards for graduate-level training.
“ASDEC’s courses have been stimulating, edifying, and above all energizing. Language I and the Practicum gave me a powerful approach to teaching reading and writing as well as a more comprehensive understanding of the English language and language disorders. I have become a better parent and teacher, and a stronger advocate for my children and my students as a result."
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- Graduate of ASDEC Academic Therapy Certification program
EDUCATOR ACADEMY
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IMSLEC accredited/IDA Endorsed Orton-Gillingham based courses and workshops.
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ORTON-GILLINGHAM: AN APPROACH NOT A PROGRAM, METHOD, OR WORKSHOP
The Orton-Gillingham Approach is a direct, explicit, multisensory, structured, sequential, diagnostic, and prescriptive way to teach literacy when reading, writing, and spelling does not come easily to individuals, such as those with dyslexia. It is most properly understood and practiced as an approach, not a method, program, or system. In the hands of a well-trained and experienced instructor, it is a powerful tool of exceptional breadth, depth, and flexibility.
The Approach is so named because of the foundational and seminal contributions of Samuel T. Orton and Anna Gillingham. Samuel Torrey Orton (1879-1948) was a neuropsychiatrist and pathologist. He was a pioneer in focusing attention on reading failure and related language processing difficulties. He brought together neuroscientific information and principles of remediation. As early as 1925 he had identified the syndrome of dyslexia as an educational problem. Anna Gillingham (1878-1963) was a gifted educator and psychologist with a superb mastery of the language. Encouraged by Dr. Orton, she compiled and published instructional materials as early as the 1930s which provided the foundation for student instruction and teacher training in what became known as the Orton-Gillingham Approach. (Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators).
As required by our accrediting agency, IMSLEC (International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council) adheres to and exceeds all the non-negotiable elements of instruction without compromise or dilution. Attending a workshop, a short course or simply reading books and manuals is not a sufficient or effective way to learn the breadth, depth and scope of knowledge necessary to successfully instruct students or adequately train teachers.
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On-Demand Workshops
Our self-paced online professional development workshops allow you to access interactive material anytime, anywhere, making it easy to fit your learning into busy schedules and accommodate other commitments.
ASDEC WORKSHOPS: In-Person
Dyslexia Simulation: Experience directly what it is like to struggle with learning through our interactive, hands-on learning simulation. Your teachers, parents, and administrators will experience the challenges and shame associated with reading, writing, and spelling challenges. ​​​​​​​​
"Thank you SO much for the wonderful presentation and simulation yesterday. Many teachers have dropped past my office to say how impactful they thought it was, both as a parent and a teacher. I think for some, it will be the beginning of some more specific professional development in these areas (I'd love to hear more about the multi-sensory math training). And many were moved by the empathy piece through this kind of awareness." Vice Principal, Catholic High School in Maryland.
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These workshops are available onsite in the District of Maryland, DC and VA Metro area. Contact us to schedule a dyslexia simulation in your community.
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​​​Dyslexia and ADHD: Connections and Treatments Presented by Dr. Karin Varblow.
Dr Varblow is a pediatrician with expertise in Behavioral Pediatrics and treating children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). After serving individuals as a general pediatrician for over a decade, she opened her practice to work intensively with families whose children have behavioral issues. Her interest in ADHD and Behavioral Pediatrics has developed into a passion, and her treatment style addresses the unique needs of patients and their family members.
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Dr. Varblow will discuss the intricate relationship between dyslexia and ADHD, which frequently co-occur but can also mimic or mask each other, making diagnosis challenging. The presentation underscores the importance of understanding the distinct characteristics of both dyslexia and ADHD so that clinicians and academic therapists may learn to differentiate them. By doing so, clinicians may tailor appropriate treatment plans that address the unique needs of students with Dyslexia and ADHD.
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Parents and other caregivers are welcome to attend this session to better understand their child's learning behavior and identify the most effective treatment options.​
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This workshop is offered each fall onsite in Northern VA. A recording is available on-demand.
The K-Reading Kickstart and K-Math Kickstart training program consists of a three-day interactive workshop followed by a practicum session where teachers meet with ASDEC specialists onsite or online for six coaching sessions. In the three-day workshop, led by Mona Iyer, teachers will learn how to conduct K-Reading Kickstart and K-Math Kickstart classes using the diagnostic and prescriptive methods designed to teach student foundational reading and numeracy skills.
These workshops are available on-site in the District of Maryland, DC, and VA Metro areas.