The Orton-Gillingham Academy

Structured Literacy Starts with Trusted Training

What is the Orton-Gillingham Academy?

The Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA) is the national certifying body that …upholds the highest standards and adheres to a code of ethics in structured literacy instruction. Through rigorous training programs and credentialing processes, the Academy ensures that every practitioner certified in the Orton-Gillingham Approach is thoroughly prepared to support struggling readers—especially those with dyslexia.

At Sensible Learning, all of our training is aligned with the standards set by the Academy. Kristi Perry, Beth Reusser, and their fellow, Cyndi Schultz, are proud to be certified through OGA, with the credentials not only to teach but train others in this evidence-based approach.

Why OGA Certification Matters

Unlike generic reading programs or quick-fix professional development, certification through the Orton-Gillingham Academy means a deep understanding, real practice, and expert feedback. It’s not about checking a box—it’s about equipping educators to fully support students with language-based learning differences.

The Path to Certification

To become an OGA-certified Associate, educators must complete:

70 hours of approved coursework (in-person and asynchronous)
A supervised practicum with a minimum of 100 structured lessons
Ongoing evaluation from a credentialed Fellow or Fellow-in-Training

We offer both the training and the practicum required for certification, all led by professionals who’ve been through the process themselves.

Who Benefits from OGA-Aligned Training?

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, reading interventionist, private tutor, or school administrator, OGA-aligned training helps you:

Build confidence in your reading instruction
Meet compliance standards (including Ohio Dyslexia Law)
Ensure your staff is using research-based practices that actually work

Why We Trust the Orton-Gillingham Academy

The Orton-Gillingham Approach is grounded in both time-tested knowledge and scientific evidence about how children learn to read and write. It addresses why many students face challenges in acquiring literacy skills and identifies instructional practices best suited for teaching them. The OG approach is particularly beneficial for students with dyslexia.

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Orton-Gillingham Academy: Frequently Asked Questions

The Orton-Gillingham method is a structured, multisensory approach to teaching reading, writing, and spelling. It is explicit, sequential, and diagnostic, meaning instruction is personalized and continually adapted based on student progress. This method is especially effective for learners with dyslexia and other language-based difficulties.
No, Orton-Gillingham is not only for dyslexia. While it was originally designed to support students with dyslexia, its structured, multisensory approach benefits all learners, especially those who need explicit, step-by-step instruction in reading and spelling.
Yes, the Orton-Gillingham Approach is supported by decades of research and success in the field of structured literacy. It has been proven effective in improving reading and spelling outcomes, especially for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning challenges.
Certification is not legally required to use Orton-Gillingham strategies, but formal training and certification, such as through the Orton-Gillingham Academy, ensure fidelity to the method. Certified instructors are better equipped to deliver OG instruction accurately and effectively.