Start Here : What is the Instructor training?
NoticeAbility’s Instructor Training:
Who can teach the course?
Anyone can facilitate a NoticeAbility enrichment course. Whether you are a teacher, parent, tutor or volunteer, you can play a key role in helping students with dyslexia identify, build, and show how their strengths. After completing the instructor training, you will be prepared to facilitate a NoticeAbility curriculum with students.
How long is the training to lead the course?
The online training takes approximately two hours. It is offered entirely online so that you can complete the course at your convenience.
What is in the training?
The instructor training will provide you with insight into the dyslexic experience, the correlation between social emotional learning interventions and academic performance, and how NoticeAbility’s courses are designed to increase students’ self-esteem and academic tenacity. Lastly, the training will provide you with step-by-step instruction on how to facilitate a course with students.
What will I need to teach the course?
When you purchase a bundle you will receive a course materials book that includes lesson plans with time stamps, vocabulary lists and learning objectives for both the online videos and classroom exercises. Optional teacher scripts are included to get you started.
How do I run a course?
Each course requires a minimum of 3 students (they may vary in age and grade levels). You will need a internet accessible space where the group can meet one or twice a week for an hour (the total course time is 20 hours).
In school settings, we recommend two hours a week spread over 10 weeks. This can happen either during the school day or during after school in a ‘club’ setting.
For summer intensive workshops, we recommend approximately 2 hours a day for 3 weeks.
Important to note: Regardless of where you offer a NoticeAbility course, you will want to plan ahead and schedule a time and space for the students’ final presentation. Parents, teachers, and fellow students may be invited to this presentation to celebrate the accomplishment of the students.
Do I need to be an subject matter expert to teach a particular course?
Absolutely not. NoticeAbility is responsible delivering the content of each subject area (entrepreneurship, engineering, arts, or architecture) through our online learning portal. Your responsibility is to provide students with course facilitation, scaffolding, and encouragement.
Does NoticeAbility replace literacy training?
No. NoticeAbility is a complement to reading remediation, not a substitute.
NoticeAbility courses focus on social emotional learning (SEL) and executive function (EF) competencies. Students are introduced to the cognitive assets of dyslexia and work in teams to exercise these strengths.
What if my students are not clinically diagnosed as dyslexic?
Different states classify dyslexia in different ways. Sometimes, a student will receive a dyslexia diagnosis. More often than not, however, a student with dyslexia will be diagnosed as having a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) or Language Based Learning Disability (LBLD). To address this confusion, NoticeAbility suggests that students should be either “identified, diagnosed, or suspected of having dyslexia”. It is important to note that the word ‘dyslexia’ is used throughout NoticeAbility’s courses and instructor should be prepared to speak with caregivers and students who may be confused by the use of this term.
What age range do your courses target?
NoticeAbility has piloted its curricula with students ranging from 4th - 12th grade. However, we recommend the following age ranges:
- Entrepreneurs & Innovators - grades 5-9
- Engineering & Architecture - grades 5-9
- Consenses Arts & Storytelling - grades 7-11
Can I squeeze this course into my busy classroom schedule?
We understand that scheduling time can be a real challenge. Whether it's as an elective, an after school club, a pull-out class, or a study-hall, we urge you to give your students the time they need to become engrossed in the coursework. In other words, we don't recommend asking students to choose between a NoticeAbility class and other attractive options like sports or recess. Trust us, it is worth the time and investment.
Why not have a 1-on-1 course, like tutoring? Why does NoticeAbility suggest group setting?
Social emotional learning requires peer interaction. For example, negotiation and conflict resolution (examples of SEL) cannot be deployed in isolation. When students engage as teams in project based learning, they rub up against each other’s ‘sharp edges’. This is where the learning happens.
How important is my presence as an instructor? Can’t they just do it themselves?
According to the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 report (Newman et al., 2011), the two predictors of long-term success for students with learning disabilities are (a) supportive teachers who understand their learning differences and (b) close relationships with mentors.
You will be that understanding mentor if you are present, reliable, and consistent. Class meeting times should be established, in advance, as student attendance will enhance team cohesion. You are at the core of this trust dynamic.
What’s this about a ‘Final Presentation’?
NoticeAbility’s curricula culminate in a student final presentation, preferably in front of a small audience. This process is essential for students to receive the affirmation of their new strength-based paradigm of dyslexia. NoticeAbility will consider posting photos and videos of student presentations that are submitted to us.