Pathways to Academic Language Therapist & Practitioner Certifications
Applications for Cohort 4 Summer 2025 are open.
If you applied in any previous year–even if you received an acceptance–you MUST reapply. Files of those who do not attend are purged from the database and are not considered for the new cohort.
1) Download and complete the application and email to Dr. Carol Donovan cdonovan@ua.edu
UA CALT/CALP applications are open until the cohort is filled BEGINNING SEPT 15, 2024
COHORT 4 CALT/CALP Begins Summer 2025
June 2 – 6 at the University of Alabama campus Tom Barnes Education Building
Summer 1 meetings will be 5 full days in-person on The University of Alabama campus
We are moving to 5 longer days while on campus and no additional virtual days required for summer.
Monday 10:00 – 6:00 (lunch provided)
Tuesday – Friday 8:00 – 5:00
SCHOLARSHIPS for UA CALT OFFERED BY THE ALABAMA SCOTTISH RITE
The Scottish Rite Foundation of Alabama will be supporting cohort 4! These limited and very competitive scholarship awards come from the Scottish Rite Foundation directly to support ALABAMA teachers committed to staying and teaching in Alabama. The scholarship application is separate from the UA CALT application and you must do both. You will not be considered for the scholarship connected to UA CALT if you have not applied to UA CALT and been accepted. Therefore, letters of acceptance will include a link to the scholarship application.
OTHER FUNDING SOURCES
We continue to seek funding for additional students and will post information and email those who have applied if funds become available. Some school districts may have funds available to support teachers who would like to earn CALP or CALT certification. We encourage you to talk with your administration.
Since UA CALT/CALP are not degree programs, financial aid through the university is not available.
About UA CALP and CALT
UA CALP PRACTITIONER is a pathway for certification as a Dyslexia Practitioner, officially known as Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP). This is an advanced certification for teachers, speech and language therapists and others who hold a bachelor’s degree and a strong interest in continued professional development in teaching children with dyslexia, characteristics of dyslexia, and other persistent reading difficulties. Successful completion of the 1 year of program work, 5 lesson observations, and 60 practicum hours (teaching individuals or small groups of children with dyslexia or characteristics of dyslexia) allows participants to sit for the ALTA exam and be certified as a Certified Academic Language Practitioner. More about the ALTA exam for the PRACTIONER can be found here: The Academic Language Therapy Association – CALP Application (altaread.org)
As a professional development program, the work and time commitment for CALP is intense, but does not require a master’s degree and can be completed in one year of coursework. Read the information carefully to be sure you understand the commitment and send additional questions to Dr. Carol Donovan at cdonovan@ua.edu
UA CALT THERAPIST is a pathway for certification as a Dyslexia Therapist, officially known as Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT). This is an advanced certification for teachers, speech and language therapists and others who already hold a master’s degree and a strong interest in advanced education in teaching children with dyslexia, characteristics of dyslexia, and other persistent reading difficulties. Successful completion of the 2 years of program work and 700 practicum hours (practicum hours must be completed before the exam may be taken; the exam must be taken within 5 years of starting the coursework) allows participants to sit for the ALTA exam and be certified as a Certified Academic Language Therapist. More about the ALTA exam for THERAPIST can be found here: The Academic Language Therapy Association – CALT Application (altaread.org)
As an advanced program, the work and time commitment are intense. Read the information carefully to be sure you understand the commitment and send additional questions to Dr. Carol Donovan at cdonovan@ua.edu
Overview
Expertise is Needed
According to the International Dyslexia Association (https://dyslexiaida.org/), 1 in 5 children are dyslexic. An additional 20% of children or more in different school settings show characteristics of dyslexia that require intensive intervention to curb long-lasting effects on lifetime reading achievement. Children with dyslexia and persistent reading difficulties require intensive small group instruction from expert teachers with specialized training, such as CALP or CALT certification, or support from CALT-certified teachers in order to ensure appropriate expert intervention.
Dyslexia is a specific learning challenge that is neurological in origin and characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge. (https://alsrlcenter.org/dyslexia-in-alabama/15-alabama-dyslexia-law)
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the program requirements and practicum hours of this Dyslexia Therapist pathway, candidates will be able to:
- take the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) exam to hold the credential of Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP) or Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) more about ALTA https://altaread.org
- provide Academic Language Therapy to those students identified with characteristics of dyslexia.
- demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of Multisensory Structured Language Education and Orton Gillingham-based teaching practices.
- in school settings *
- implement Tier II and Tier III interventions for dyslexic students within their school or district.
- provide school-wide professional development as it pertains to the identification and referral process of students in the school and district with characteristics of dyslexia.
- provide school-wide professional development on best practices for teaching students with dyslexia in the classroom setting.
- in other settings
- implement Tier II and Tier III interventions for students with dyslexia outside of school.
- provide information about best practices for teaching students with dyslexia to parents.
*Upon completion of CALP and CALT certification, many opportunities are open to you. Work in school settings, however, may require teacher certification. Be sure to check with the state department of education (i.e., ALSDE if in Alabama) about credentials and certifications required in addition to CALT certification if you desire a position in a school setting.
CALP (practitioner) Program info
Pathway to Dyslexia Practitioner CALP
(Certified Academic Language Practitioner)
Trained at the Practitioner Level – ALTA Certified Academic Language Practitioners (CALP) are
1. Skilled in Multisensory Structured Language methodology, and teach reading, writing, study, and testing skills
2. Utilize Multisensory Structured Language to integrate visual, auditory, and motor processing with explicit understanding of the structure of the English language, enabling students to develop a solid foundation for reading and writing.
3. Enable students to apply explicit understanding of the structure of the English language (phonology, morphology,
syntax, pragmatics, and orthography), to develop and strengthen both reading and written expression.
Supporting teachers who do not hold a master’s degree for to work toward CALP, dyslexia practitioner level, provides additional expertise at the classroom, grade, and school levels. CALP is an excellent option for classroom teachers (general education and special education) and reading/instructional coaches not teaching small intervention groups daily.
$5000 per person (materials not included) SEE BOOKS AND MATERIALS LIST BELOW
1 Year Program ($5000 ) books and materials are purchased by the participants
Summer: $2500
Fall: $1250
Spring: $1250
This is also a good option for classroom teachers who do not have a master’s degree and/or are not yet finished with the degree, but who want the expertise. Requirements may be appropriate for MTSS leadership for reading, intervention support for school, and intervention group requirements that fit classroom teacher schedules.
To sit for CALP (Practitioner) exam requires:
* Bachelor’s degree
* 1 year coursework (Year 1 only),
* Practicum of 60 intervention teaching hours,
* 5 observed lessons by the Qualified Instructor
There is a required fee you must pay to take the exam
(https://altaread.org/membership/become-a-member/)
Notes:
1) Check requirements for the position you wish to hold as CALP certification does not substitute for a teaching license, which may be required for some positions. Be sure to contact the State Department of Education for teaching certification requirements if you desire to be a teacher or work in a school.
2) At this time, no course credit toward any degree is offered in conjunction with this program.
3) Participants may elect to continue to the second year for CALT certification. Requirements: a master’s degree, the second year of coursework, the full 700 CALT teaching hours, and the exam must be completed within 5 years of beginning coursework.
CALT (THERAPIST) Program Info
Pathway to Dyslexia Therapist CALT
(Certified Academic Language Therapist)
- Trained at the Therapist Level – ALTA Certified Academic Language Therapists (CALT) have the knowledge and skills of the CALP with an additional training and practice at the therapist level to allow them to review comprehensive evaluation reports and academic samples, then administer academic skills assessments for baseline documentation. Throughout Multisensory Structured Language therapy sessions, student performance informs diagnostic and prescriptive intervention to create a high level of accuracy, fluency, and understanding for independence in written language skills.
The coursework is 2 full years: Year 1 [summer 1, fall 1, spring 1 (Year 1 overlaps with CALP coursework)] and Year 2 [summer 2, fall 2, spring]
700 approved and documented teaching hours are required.
Summer hours are in person in Tuscaloosa for 5 days.
Fall/Spring hours are VIRTUAL on Saturdays so no travel and no missed school days.
$9,000 per person total (materials not included) SEE BOOKS AND MATERIALS LIST above and below.
Year 1 ($5000) Most books and materials are purchased by the participants
Summer 1: $2500
Fall 1: $1250
Spring 1: $1250
Year 2 ($4000) books and materials are purchased by the participants
Summer 2: $2000
Fall 2: $1000
Spring 2: $1000 Program Admissions Requirements
Participants will be screened for admissions requirements set forth by the credentialing body. The Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) https://altaread.org/join-alta/ is the professional credentialing organization that establishes rigorous standards, assuring the highest quality services to those individuals with dyslexia.
To sit for CALT (Therapist) exam requires:
* Master’s degree completed
* Two years of coursework (Year 1 and Year 2)
* Practicum of 700 documented intervention teaching hours following requirements
* 10 observed lessons by the Qualified Instructor
These must be completed within 5 years of starting the CALT program. There is a required fee you must pay to take the exam (https://altaread.org/membership/become-a-member/)
Notes:
1) Check requirements for the position you wish to hold as CALT certification does not substitute for a teaching license. Be sure to contact the State Department of Education for teaching certification requirements if you desire to be a teacher or work in a school system.
2) At this time, no course credit toward any degree is offered in conjunction with this program.
COHORT 4 Begins Summer 2025
Summer 1 meetings will be in-person for 5 days June 2-6.
Fall and Spring Classes will be held virtually on 4 Saturdays.
Assessment of Learning
Participants must make satisfactory progress to continue and are assessed every semester throughout the program for their knowledge and application of content covered. Assessments include daily reflections and short paper assignments collected throughout the on-site work. Cumulative exams will be given at the end of each semester. Application of content will be assessed during daily model lessons participants teach and as they respond to real-life scenarios in case study activities. Teaching observations also assess application as participants teach their small groups, reflect on their teaching and children’s learning, and the CALT Qualified Instructor provides feedback to the real-time observation or video-taped lessons. The final assessment of program success is participant achievement of the CALT certification. This requires, in addition to successful completion of all coursework, teaching observations, and 700 approved teaching hours, the passing of the National exam.
Attendance Policy
Participants are expected to attend all scheduled training dates, arriving on time and staying until dismissed. Participants are expected to be prepared for class (with required readings or other assignments completed) and participate actively in all class discussions and activities. In case of an emergency absence due to unforeseen circumstances, missed coursework should be made up, and assignments turned in promptly. Should a trainee have more than two excused absences on scheduled coursework days, they must retake the course.
Designated virtual classes will need to be attended with video and microphone on at all times for full participation.
Materials
Materials are NOT provided as part of the fees. A book list will be provided to you upon your acceptance to the program. You will purchase most books and materials yourself. Year 1 books are needed by CALP and CALT participants. Books for Year 2 on right are for those continuing to year 2 CALT.
Program Leaders
Carol Donovan, PhD
Program LeaderDr. Carol Donovan is a Professor of Literacy Education in the Department of Special Education. She has been at the university for over 20 years teaching undergraduate & graduate foundations of reading and reading and language arts methods courses and providing professional development in reading and writing instruction. Her undergraduate teaching is in a multi-licensure special education/general education program (Multiple Abilities Program) in which she serves as the primary instructor for foundational reading methods and reading intervention. She is currently certified CALP and is a CALT in training.
Dr. Donovan is coordinating the UA CALT program and will be the contact for your questions prior to acceptance and related to the .
cdonovan@ua.edu
Rhonda Smith
Qualified Instructor (QI)Rhonda Smith is the Director of Dyslexia Education for the Dyslexia Resource Center. She received her undergraduate degree from The University of Alabama and her Master’s in Education in Dyslexia Therapy from Mississippi College. She is a Certified Academic Language Therapist and Qualified Instructor (CALT-QI). Rhonda Smith has served as Dyslexia Interventionist for East and West Elementary School in Cullman City and serves on the Boaz City Board of Education. She serves on the Alabama Literacy Task Force, as past president of the Alabama ALTA (Academic Language Therapist Association) Chapter and as a member of the legislative committee for ALTA national. She and her husband live in Boaz and have three children. She is an avid Alabama football fan, loves the beach and enjoys the summertime.
Resources
Academic Language Therapy Association ALTA
Alabama Dyslexia Resource Guide
https://www.alabamaachieves.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DRG-10-16-2020.pdf
Alabama Scottish Rite Foundation
Dyslexia Resource Center
International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council IMSLEC
Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity
FAQs
Questions about degree completion
1) Do I have to have finished my master’s degree?
Yes, for the THERAPIST CALT certification, UA CALT is only taking applicants from individuals with completed master’s degrees.
No, for the PRACTITIONER level 1-year program you do not have to have completed a master’s degree.
2) Does it matter which bachelor’s and master’s degree I hold?
No, UA CALT is accepting participants with a commitment to teaching reading intervention and holding a bachelor’s and master’s degree in any field from an accredited university. Please be sure to check about other credentials you might need in addition to CALT certification to be eligible for the jobs you want. For example, to work in a school, teacher certification may also be required.
Questions about attendance
1) Do I have to attend the class sessions in person even if I live far away?
Yes, we expect in person attendance for summer sessions. We have made some of the summer session days virtual.
2) What if I have to miss a scheduled class?
Attendance is expected, but if an emergency requires a missed class it can be made up with the next cohort. This may delay your ultimate completion and if you miss more than 2 in any semester you will be removed from the semester course. We will do our best to work with you, but learning the material requires attendance in the sessions.
Questions about scholarships and payment
1) What scholarships are available?
UA CALT is a professional development program, not a degree program, and UA financial aid and scholarships are not available to participants. However, we are working to find support for participants. The Scottish Rite Foundation of Alabama supported students in cohorts 1 and 2. You must apply to the UACalt program (email cdonovan@ua.edu) and apply for the scholarship at the link below.
SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED BY THE ALABAMA SCOTTISH RITE www.surveymonkey.com/r/CALTScholarship
for teachers committed to teaching in Alabama
In addition, some school districts may have funds available to support teachers who would like to earn CALP or CALT certification. We encourage you to talk with your administration.
2) How do we pay?
When participants are invited to join the cohort, they will be provided with a link to the payment system and a due date for that payment in order for their place in the cohort to be held. If Alabama Scottish Rite chooses to support, you they will be in contact with you. UA welcomes their support, but they operate the selection process independently.