January 25, 2008
Dear Administrator:
As you know, many reading difficulties can be resolved if effective intervention is provided early in a child’s school career. However, up to 10% of all reading difficulties are "treatment resistant" - a condition often referred to as dyslexia. Students with these difficulties require specialized, intensive intervention from a highly trained professional. Unfortunately, only a handful of educators in Utah have the necessary expertise.
To address this need, the University of Utah Reading Clinic (UURC) applied for and received a donation from the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation. The donation includes scholarship funds for educators to receive professional development in intervention for severe reading difficulties.
The scholarships are specifically designed for individuals who work with struggling readers to complete certification for Wilson Language Level I--a highly effective intervention for students with severe reading difficulties. Currently, the UURC is in its fourth year of providing this intensive professional development experience and the response has been overwhelmingly positive from educators, parents, and students. We will sponsor another Wilson Level I practicum during the school year 2008-2009 at our Murray, Utah site. Twelve scholarships will be awarded for this practicum. The remainder of this letter provides relevant details for scholarship application. I encourage you to make copies and share them with potential applicants.
Wilson Overview, Level I and UURC Practicum Requirements
- attend a 2 day Wilson Overview
- tutor at least 1 student twice per week for a minimum of 60 lessons
- conduct baseline, progress monitoring, and post assessments
- attend approximately 5 Wilson Level I implementation meetings
- complete 5 tutoring observations with Wilson trainer
- attend approximately 6 UURC support sessions
- complete Wilson Steps 1-6 online course
It is important to note that this practicum is extremely time-intensive and the requirements described above are mandatory. Implementation meetings, observations, and support sessions primarily will be held during the school day. This may necessitate arrangements for substitutes, as well as student transportation to and from the UURC for observation.
The total cost of this training exceeds $2,500 per individual. However, individuals who receive a UURC/Eccles scholarship will be responsible only for the following approximate costs:
- all assessment, tutoring, and videotape materials (approximately $175)
- tuition differential ($350 - payable to UURC no later than September 30, 2008)
- transportation of self and student to and from UURC
Potential applicants interested in learning more about Wilson Language in general and Level I Practicum requirements specifically are encouraged to explore the organization’s website at www.wilsonlanguage.com. Potential applicants interested in learning more about the UURC are encouraged to log on to www.uurc.org.
Given the challenging nature of this practicum, previous participants have found that collegial support is very important. With this in mind, I encourage applicants to “yoke” their applications in pairs. Priority in the awarding of scholarships will be given to highly qualified pairs working in the same school or district.
Please note that completed applications are due at the UURC no later than Friday, April 18, 2008. Applications can be brought or mailed to:
UURC
5282 South 320 West, Suite D100
Murray, UT 84107
Applicants will be notified regarding their status by Friday, May 2, 2008.
We believe this is an exciting opportunity to expand intervention resources for Utah’s struggling readers. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Kris Vassel at 801-265-3951, kvassel79@hotmail.com, OR Ms. Michele Blake at 801-265-3951, michele.blake@utah.edu.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kathleen J. Brown, Director
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