Interested in becoming Wilson Reading System® (WRS) Level I Certified?
The Basics...
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The Wilson Reading System® (WRS) Level I Certification program is designed to prepare teachers to effectively implement WRS Steps 1-6 with students who are reading and spelling below grade level, as well as those diagnosed with a language-based learning disability, such as dyslexia. It consists of two components: the WRS Intensive Instruction for the Non-Responsive Reader (Steps 1-6) online course and the WRS Steps 1-6 Practicum with companion online course.
A critical factor for student success is teacher knowledge and skills, and the ability to apply those in the classroom with students. The WRS Level I Certification Program provides a course that deepens teachers’ content knowledge while providing a supervised practicum that allows teachers to apply and practice skillful use of research-based strategies. Considerable time, effort, and study are required for the WRS Certification program. Each trainee is expected to acquire a very sophisticated working knowledge of the sound-symbol system of English (phonology), the rules that govern English spellings (orthography), and its structure (morphology), as well as the use of specific diagnostic techniques in teaching decoding and encoding, and strategies for vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Completion of WRS Level I Certification makes one eligible to receive the professional credential of Wilson® Dyslexia Practitioner (W.D.P.) |
Prerequisite
WRS Introductory Course must have been completed within the last 5 years. Either the 3rd or 4th edition is acceptable and student must be approved by assigned trainer prior to beginning. Bachelor's degree in Education or related field. Cost The cost for the Practicum and online course that is necessary for certification is $3,450.00. For individuals that have previously completed the online course and need only the Practicum, the cost is $1,750.00 for the five required observations and consultation. Payment is due at the beginning of the practicum. We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards. Duration Practicum participants have 12 months from their enrollment date to complete the online coursework and the practicum. Delivery Options For local participants (Gainesville, GA) - Trainees who live locally should plan to bring their student to our office to complete the five required observations. For participants who are not local to Gainesville, GA - For trainees who do not live locally, the five required observations can be made via video chatting (Skype, Facetime, etc.). For schools or districts
Requirements
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First things first - does your identified student qualify? They must meet the following criteria:
- Student should be entering grades 4-12 (grade 3 approved if student has been retained)
- Cognitive ability in the average range (minimum IQ = 80)
- Pretest reading scores range from 5th - 30th percentile
- Student's listening comprehension ability is higher compared to independent reading comprehension
- Student has poor decoding and spelling skills
- Student must be available to be scheduled at a minimum four to five 45-minute lessons or two to three 60-minute (1:1) lessons per week
- The practicum student must not have had any previous Wilson Reading System® instruction, can be a former Fundations® student
Whether the criteria is met should be determined from school records and current testing. Testing results used to select practicum student must be no more than six months old.
Ava's suggestions for things to consider when choosing a student:
- Good attendance at school
- No major health issues
- No severe behavioral, emotional or attention issues
- Good work ethic and motivated student
- Supportive family who sees the value of a long practicum and free tutoring
For practicum student approval, you will need to do the following:
Scores obtained must be within 6 months of your practicum registration. Any one of the following is suggested*:
*Wilson Reading System® Practicum Student Pre & Posttesting: Standardized Testing Requirements
- Administer the 4th Edition WADE (Wilson Assessment of Decoding and Encoding) and send results via email to Ava, to be used as a screening for student approval.
- Then, you must administer the WIST (Word Identification and Spelling Test).
- Your final step is to obtain another standardized, norm-referenced assessment. See options below.
Scores obtained must be within 6 months of your practicum registration. Any one of the following is suggested*:
- Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests – III
- Woodcock-Johnson IV (WJ-IV)Tests of Achievement*
- Woodcock-Johnson III Diagnostic Reading Battery (WJ-III DRB)
- Wechsler Individualized Achievement Test, Third Edition (WIAT-III)
- Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement, Third Edition (KTEA-3)*
*Wilson Reading System® Practicum Student Pre & Posttesting: Standardized Testing Requirements
You'll also want to consider the following factors:
- Start Date
- School year end date
- School calendar interruptions
- Access to practicum student
- Cancellations due to weather or illness
Required Materials:
- WRS Introductory Set (Steps 1-6), 4th edition, containing instructor and student materials.
- WIST (Word Identification and Spelling Test) for student testing.
