Outreach & Workshops
Attend one of our events to learn about learning disabilities and proven strategies for success.
Churchill Center & School’s Sandra K. Gilligan School Partnerships & Outreach Program is essential in strengthening our mission of fostering greater understanding and support for all people with learning disabilities by training other educators, supporting families, and enlightening the community.
Since the inception of our Community Outreach Program in 1990, more than 37,500 educators, parents, students, and other supporters have been given the opportunity to experience and broaden their understanding of learning disabilities.
We offer Teacher Workshops, Parent Workshops, Student Workshops, Community Service Events, and a Speaker Series. Each one of these programs offers our community a variety of services to recognize learning disabilities and to then equip the participants with strategies and knowledge to offer further assistance.
Reviews from Outreach Program Attendees:
- “What a great role model Churchill Center & School is for our community.”
– Educational Program Director - “Please accept my gratitude for your willingness to come and speak with our staff. There’s a lot of exciting things happening with study skills — a daily “organizational tip of the day,” teachers actively teaching study skills, and many more ideas brewing.”
– Middle School Director - “You had a positive impact on me when you presented at our school, and I am still using your references.”
– High School Principal - “Faculty members found the topics to be pertinent and directed to their needs and concerns.”
– Learning Consultant - “The speakers were fascinating and I am avidly reading their book, Overcoming Dyslexia. I am very impressed with the knowledge base of the teachers at Churchill as well as their dedication and professionalism!”
– St. Louis Area Psychologist - “Both presenters were terrific and all in attendance left with a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to begin a new school year.”
– Elementary Principal
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Wilson Reading System® Introductory Courses (June 2024)
WILSON READING SYSTEM® INTRODUCTORY COURSE - JUNE 2024
WHEN:
Monday, June 3, 2024
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
TIME: Daily from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
WHERE: Churchill Center & School
1021 Municipal Center Drive | Town & Country, MO 63131
COST: $700 per registrant (lunch on your own)
WHAT:
This course provides participants with an overview of the Wilson Reading System® (WRS) 4th Edition curriculum and serves as the prerequisite for WRS Level I Certification. Over three consecutive days (16.5 hours), this course examines how WRS addresses the teaching of phonemic awareness, word identification, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension through an integrated study of phonology, morphology, and orthography with students in grade two and above with persistent phonological coding deficits. Participants learn about reading research, dyslexia, appropriate student identification and placement, program implementation, progress monitoring, scheduling, and creating a successful learning environment. Principles of language structure and how to teach language with direct, multisensory methods are demonstrated and practiced during the course. Participants explore the standard 10-part Wilson Lesson Plan and practice planning and delivering a lesson while receiving modeling and feedback from a Wilson® Credentialed Trainer during the course.
Everyone Deserves To Learn To Read!
Wilson Reading System® (WRS) is the flagship program of Wilson Language Training® and the foundation of all other Wilson ® programs. The Tier 3 Structured Literacy (SL) program is based on phonological-coding research and Orton-Gillingham principles.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon the completion of the course, participants will be able to-
• Define dyslexia and describe common characteristics.
• Explain the process of identifying appropriate students and placing them in the Wilson Reading System.
• Understand the principles of instruction: explicit, sequential and cumulative, engaging multiple learning modalities with multisensory techniques, repetition and feedback.
• Create an optimal learning environment, prepare a lesson plan and practice techniques.
• Understand the key components of instruction and presentation of lessons in three blocks:
BLOCK 1: Word Study/Foundational Reading Skills: Lesson Plan Parts 1-5
- Phonemic Awareness, Decoding, Vocabulary, High Frequency Word Reading, Single-Word Accuracy/Automaticity, Phrasing/Prosody, Fluency and Comprehension at the Sentence Level
BLOCK 2: Spelling/Foundational Writing Skills: Lesson Plan Parts 6-8
- Phoneme Segmentation, Encoding (Spelling), English Spelling Rules, High Frequency Word Spelling, Vocabulary, Concept Mark Up, Sentence-Level Punctuation and Proofreading
BLOCK 3: Fluency/Comprehension: Lesson Plan Parts 9-10
- Vocabulary, Listening/Silent and Oral Reading Fluency and Comprehension, Narrative and Informational Text
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
1. Participants may enroll in the WRS Level I Certification Training or the online course WRS Intensive Instruction for the Non-Responsive Reader (Steps 1-6) within five years of completing a WRS Introductory Course.
2. Materials are not included. All materials can be purchased directly from Wilson Language Training®.
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY: Any refunds for cancellations will only be issued if cancelled seat can be filled, less a $50 processing fee. This applies to seats purchased with any accepted forms of payment.
FOR QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION: Please email Rachel Wheatley, Director of Sandra K. Gilligan School Partnerships & Outreach Program, at rwheatley@churchillstl.org.
Fundations® Level 2 Workshop (June 2024)
FUNDATIONS® LEVEL 2 WORKSHOP
WHEN: Monday, June 17, 2024
TIME: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
WHERE: Churchill Center & School
1021 Municipal Center Drive | Town & Country, MO 63131
PRESENTED BY: The Sandra K. Gilligan School Partnerships & Outreach Program
COST: $320 per registrant (lunch on your own)
WHAT:
Fundations® utilizes a structured literacy approach grounded in the science of reading to make learning to read fun while laying the groundwork for lifelong literacy. The program’s research-based approach and extensive materials allow K–3 teachers to confidently present a carefully structured reading, spelling and handwriting curriculum using engaging, multisensory techniques. Fundations® is aligned with the science of reading and guides teachers to provide effective instructional practices.
A Structured Literacy Approach Grounded in the Science of Reading:
Level 2 builds on the skills and concepts that are taught in Levels K and 1.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon the completion of the course, participants will be able to-
• Identify the skills taught in Fundations: phonics and word study, vocabulary, high frequency/trick words, fluency, comprehension strategies, handwriting, spelling and punctuation.
• Understand the principles of instruction: explicit, sequential, and cumulative instruction that engages multiple learning modalities with multisensory instruction, repetition, and immediate, specific feedback.
• Identify and understand the use for all materials in the Fundations Teacher’s Kit and have a sense of how to find and use the many extended resources available on the Prevention/Early Intervention Learning Community for Fundations (membership included with participation in this workshop).
• Use the Teacher’s Manual to prepare a daily learning plan and practice lesson activity procedures.
• Visualize the flow and pace of a full Fundations lesson completed with fidelity.
As a Wilson® Accredited Partner, Churchill Center & School has been reviewed by Wilson Language Training® (WLT) and meets their standards of excellence in the delivery of their programs.
Fundations® Level 1 Workshop (June 2024)
FUNDATIONS® LEVEL 1 WORKSHOP
WHEN: Friday, June 21, 2024
TIME: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
WHERE: Churchill Center & School
1021 Municipal Center Drive | Town & Country, MO 63131
PRESENTED BY: The Sandra K. Gilligan School Partnerships & Outreach Program
COST: $320 per registrant (lunch on your own)
WHAT:
Fundations® utilizes a structured literacy approach grounded in the science of reading to make learning to read fun while laying the groundwork for lifelong literacy. The program’s research-based approach and extensive materials allow K–3 teachers to confidently present a carefully structured reading, spelling and handwriting curriculum using engaging, multisensory techniques. Fundations® is aligned with the science of reading and guides teachers to provide effective instructional practices.
A STRUCTURED LITERACY APPROACH GROUNDED IN THE SCIENCE OF READING:
Level 1 builds on the skills and concepts that are taught in Levels K.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon the completion of the course, participants will be able to-
• Identify the skills taught in Fundations: phonics and word study, vocabulary, high frequency/trick words, fluency, comprehension strategies, handwriting, spelling and punctuation.
• Understand the principles of instruction: explicit, sequential, and cumulative instruction that engages multiple learning modalities with multisensory instruction, repetition, and immediate, specific feedback.
• Identify and understand the use for all materials in the Fundations Teacher’s Kit and have a sense of how to find and use the many extended resources available on the Prevention/Early Intervention Learning Community for Fundations (membership included with participation in this workshop).
• Use the Teacher’s Manual to prepare a daily learning plan and practice lesson activity procedures.
• Visualize the flow and pace of a full Fundations lesson completed with fidelity.
As a Wilson® Accredited Partner, Churchill Center & School has been reviewed by Wilson Language Training® (WLT) and meets their standards of excellence in the delivery of their programs.
Fundations® Level K Workshop (June 2024)
FUNDATIONS® LEVEL K WORKSHOP
WHEN: Wednesday, June 26, 2024
TIME: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
WHERE: Churchill Center & School
1021 Municipal Center Drive | Town & Country, MO 63131
PRESENTED BY: The Sandra K. Gilligan School Partnerships & Outreach Program
COST: $320 per registrant (lunch on your own)
WHAT:
Fundations® utilizes a structured literacy approach grounded in the science of reading to make learning to read fun while laying the groundwork for lifelong literacy. The program’s research-based approach and extensive materials allow K–3 teachers to confidently present a carefully structured reading, spelling and handwriting curriculum using engaging, multisensory techniques. Fundations® is aligned with the science of reading and guides teachers to provide effective instructional practices.
A STRUCTURED LITERACY APPROACH GROUNDED IN THE SCIENCE OF READING:
COURSE OBJECTIVES-
Upon the completion of the course, participants will be able to-
• Identify the skills taught in Fundations: phonics and word study, vocabulary, high frequency/trick words, fluency, comprehension strategies, handwriting, spelling and punctuation.
• Understand the principles of instruction: explicit, sequential, and cumulative instruction that engages multiple learning modalities with multisensory instruction, repetition, and immediate, specific feedback.
• Identify and understand the use for all materials in the Fundations Teacher’s Kit and have a sense of how to find and use the many extended resources available on the Prevention/Early Intervention Learning Community for Fundations (membership included with participation in this workshop).
• Use the Teacher’s Manual to prepare a daily learning plan and practice lesson activity procedures.
• Visualize the flow and pace of a full Fundations lesson completed with fidelity.
As a Wilson® Accredited Partner, Churchill Center & School has been reviewed by Wilson Language Training® (WLT) and meets their standards of excellence in the delivery of their programs.
Wilson Reading System® Seminar for Parents
WILSON READING SYSTEM® SEMINAR FOR PARENTS
WHEN: Thursday, July 11, 2024
TIME: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
WHERE:
Churchill Center & School
1021 Municipal Center Drive | Town & Country, MO 63131
TOPICS TO BE ADDRESSED:
• Brain Basics
• Why Wilson® Works: Ten Critical Points
• What does this mean for my child?
SPONSORED BY: Sandra K. Gilligan School Partnerships & Outreach Program
* RESERVATIONS REQUIRED *
RSVP to Director, Sandra K. Gilligan School Partnerships & Outreach Program, Rachel Wheatley at rwheatley@churchillstl.org
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. NO FEE TO ATTEND!
Wilson Reading System® Advanced Strategies for Multisensory Structured Language Group Instruction Course (August 2024)
WILSON READING SYSTEM® (WRS) ADVANCED STRATEGIES FOR MULTISENSORY STRUCTURED LANGUAGE GROUP INSTRUCTION COURSE
WHEN:
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Friday, August 9, 2024
TIME: Daily from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
WHERE: Churchill Center & School
1021 Municipal Center Drive | Town & Country, MO 63131
COST: $700 per person (lunch on your own)
WHAT:
This three-day workshop provides strategies to improve all aspects of WRS group instruction through hands-on practice and discussion, and prepares participants for WRS Group Mastery Program.
PREREQUISITES: WRS Level 1 Certification, Bachelor's Degree in Education (or Related Field)
At the completion of the course, participants will be able to:
• Identify factors for successful WRS small-group instruction.
• Review the planning for and execution of WRS Lesson Blocks 1, 2, and 3 and differentiating instruction for maximum group success.
• Develop a word-conscious lesson.
• Understand the role of spelling in writing fluency.
• Determine how to ensure students successfully access complex text; both literary and informational text structures.
• Understand how to select the appropriate text and tasks for students in order to effectively plan for and deliver fluency and comprehension instruction.
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY: Any refunds for cancellations will only be issued if cancelled seat can be filled, less a $50 processing fee. This applies to all accepted payment forms.
As a Wilson Accredited Partner, Churchill has been reviewed by Wilson Language Training® (WLT) and meets their standards of excellence in the delivery of their program.
Wilson Reading System® Introductory Course (August 2024)
WILSON READING SYSTEM® INTRODUCTORY COURSE - AUGUST 2024
WHEN:
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Friday, August 9, 2024
TIME: Daily from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
WHERE: Churchill Center & School
1021 Municipal Center Drive | Town & Country, MO 63131
COST: $700 per registrant (lunch on your own)
WHAT:
This course provides participants with an overview of the Wilson Reading System® (WRS) 4th Edition curriculum and serves as the prerequisite for WRS Level I Certification. Over three consecutive days (16.5 hours), this course examines how WRS addresses the teaching of phonemic awareness, word identification, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension through an integrated study of phonology, morphology, and orthography with students in grade two and above with persistent phonological coding deficits. Participants learn about reading research, dyslexia, appropriate student identification and placement, program implementation, progress monitoring, scheduling, and creating a successful learning environment. Principles of language structure and how to teach language with direct, multisensory methods are demonstrated and practiced during the course. Participants explore the standard 10-part Wilson Lesson Plan and practice planning and delivering a lesson while receiving modeling and feedback from a Wilson® Credentialed Trainer during the course.
Everyone Deserves To Learn To Read!
Wilson Reading System® (WRS) is the flagship program of Wilson Language Training® and the foundation of all other Wilson ® programs. The Tier 3 Structured Literacy (SL) program is based on phonological-coding research and Orton-Gillingham principles.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon the completion of the course, participants will be able to-
• Define dyslexia and describe common characteristics.
• Explain the process of identifying appropriate students and placing them in the Wilson Reading System.
• Understand the principles of instruction: explicit, sequential and cumulative, engaging multiple learning modalities with multisensory techniques, repetition and feedback.
• Create an optimal learning environment, prepare a lesson plan and practice techniques.
• Understand the key components of instruction and presentation of lessons in three blocks:
BLOCK 1: Word Study/Foundational Reading Skills: Lesson Plan Parts 1-5
- Phonemic Awareness, Decoding, Vocabulary, High Frequency Word Reading, Single-Word Accuracy/Automaticity, Phrasing/Prosody, Fluency and Comprehension at the Sentence Level
BLOCK 2: Spelling/Foundational Writing Skills: Lesson Plan Parts 6-8
- Phoneme Segmentation, Encoding (Spelling), English Spelling Rules, High Frequency Word Spelling, Vocabulary, Concept Mark Up, Sentence-Level Punctuation and Proofreading
BLOCK 3: Fluency/Comprehension: Lesson Plan Parts 9-10
- Vocabulary, Listening/Silent and Oral Reading Fluency and Comprehension, Narrative and Informational Text
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
1. Participants may enroll in the WRS Level I Certification Training or the online course WRS Intensive Instruction for the Non-Responsive Reader (Steps 1-6) within five years of completing a WRS Introductory Course.
2. Materials are not included. All materials can be purchased directly from Wilson Language Training®.
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY: Any refunds for cancellations will only be issued if cancelled seat can be filled, less a $50 processing fee. This applies to seats purchased with any accepted forms of payment.
FOR QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION: Please email Rachel Wheatley, Director of Sandra K. Gilligan School Partnerships & Outreach Program, at rwheatley@churchillstl.org.
Wilson® Just Words® Introductory Workshop
Looking for a word-level intervention for students in grades 4-12?
Introducing...
WILSON LANGUAGE TRAINING® JUST WORDS® INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP
WHEN: Monday, September 9, 2024
TIME: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM CST
WHERE: Virtual (Zoom link will be emailed prior to the workshop)
COST: $330.00 per person
Just Words® is a word-level intervention for students in grades 4-12 and adults who have mild to moderate gaps in their decoding and spelling proficiency.
- Highly explicit, multisensory structured literacy program that focuses on decoding and spelling
- Curriculum and strategies are expertly aligned to the science of reading and writing.
- "Just the word study" part of the Wilson Reading System® curriculum at an accelerated pace.
WHAT:
This workshop provides the practice and guidance needed to effectively begin teaching the Just Words® curriculum. This full day workshop is highly interactive and designed to allow for teacher input and active engagement via activities and discussions throughout. The workshop covers an overview of the program, a dive into the materials and resources needed to teach Just Words, a look at how to use the Instructor Manual and practice planning a lesson, and wraps up with a chance to see Just Words in action, debrief and look at what "next steps" will help participants kick off their Just Words instruction.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon the completion of the course, participants will be able to-
• Identify the skills taught in Just Words: phonics and word study (phonemic awareness, six basic syllable types in English, spelling rules, common Latin roots, prefixes and suffixes), vocabulary study and high frequency words.
• Understand the principles of instruction: explicit, sequential and cumulative instruction that engages multiple learning modalities with multisensory instruction, repetition and immediate, specific feedback.
• Identify and understand the use for all materials in the Just Words Teacher's Kit, and have a sense of how to find and use the many extended resources available on the Intervention Learning Community for Just Words (membership included with participation in this workshop).
• Use the Instructor Manual to prepare a daily learning plan and practice lesson activity procedures.
• Visualize the flow and pace of a full Just Words lesson completed with fidelity.
• Identify which students may be appropriate for a Just Words class, and understand how to assess students' progress in the class by using progress checks at the beginning of each unit and unit tests at the end.
QUESTIONS:
Contact Rachel Wheatley, Director of the Sandra K. Gilligan School Partnerships & Outreach Program, at rwheatley@churchillstl.org