Outreach

Partnerships

DYSLEXIA CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

JEMICY & NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND PARTNERSHIP

Jemicy School partners with Notre Dame of Maryland University to offer a 12-credit graduate dyslexia certificate program with courses developed by Megan McGowan, head of Jemicy Lower School, and other administrators and master teachers. The program teaches those on the ‘front line’ the skills and methods needed to be competent and effective diagnosticians and teachers for all children, not just those with learning differences. Classes are held at both the university and Jemicy School in Owings Mills.

Course offerings will include:

Foundations of Literacy I: A Structured Language Approach for Teaching Students with Dyslexia (3)
Foundations of Literacy II: Moving Beyond the Basics (3)
Foundations of Math: Understanding Math as a Language (3)
The Final Layer: Meaningful Integration of Learning Strategies and Executive Function Skills (3)

This coursework, which also touches on dysgraphia and dyscalculia, aligns itself with the Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading developed by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). Upon completion, candidates will be prepared to take the IDA certification exam for classroom educators.

Interested persons should click HERE, then on the “REQUEST INFO” link (bottom of the page); complete and submit the form. Those submitting a form will be contacted by Dr. Jeanette Quinn, Assistant Dean Notre Dame School of Education, who can be reached at jquinn@ndm.edu for additional inquiries.

Excerpts from post-course evaluations:

Out of all the classes I have taken while pursuing my master’s degree, I have learned the most from my Jemicy classes.
The SPE593: The Executive Function class has informed my teaching in terms of a continuation of my learning practices as a veteran educator. The class not only confirmed what I already knew in my “gut” about how students learn and operate, but it has also allowed me to add a few new tools to my teaching tool belt in order to help my future students.
This course has given me a plethora of ideas to use in the classroom that can better serve my students. My first step will be to improve the physical climate in my classroom.
The Final Layer course was perfectly named. I am taking away, from all 4 courses, a bank of strategies that are good for all of our learners.
I learned that as educators we should help shape the environment and model the skills and strategies needed for students with executive dysfunction, as these skills do not come naturally.
I will continue to look at my students’ strengths and encourage them to think positively and never underestimate their abilities.
This course has provided me with concrete ideas and materials to support students for success in and out of school, as well as a framework for incorporating strategies and developing meaningful learning experiences for all

DYSLEXIA TUTORING PROGRAM

The mission of the Dyslexia Tutoring Program (DTP) is to work with low-income children and adults who are dyslexic or have a language-based learning disability. This is accomplished through a professional assessment, and if needed, tutoring by volunteer tutors whom we have trained in researched-based multi-sensory skills using the tenets of Orton-Gillingham, a method of teaching reading, writing, and spelling through supplemental programs proven to be the most effective. DTP routinely sponsors Baltimore City students to attend Jemicy’s summer camp and benefit from our creative, multisensory, research-based techniques.

UCNLEARN

Founded by dyslexic inventor and educator Amir Bar, UCNLEARN (you see and learn) builds innovative tools that emphasize visual, image-based learning for students with dyslexia, ESL/ELL learners, as well as learners in traditional classrooms. Jemicy’s JE Community is piloting an innovative app from UCNLEARN (Applaud! app in the Apple Store) for engaging, evidence-based, digital learning experiences. The Applaud! app is designed to digitalize the process of reading intervention. It leverages technology such as speech recognition, image recognition, and multisensory design to increase motivation and engagement. It allows our teachers to create blended learning experiences while keeping close track of the student’s progress with advanced learning analytics. The app was selected in Winter 2022 as a semi-finalist in the highly competitive Harvard President’s Innovation Challenge, and as part of an ongoing pilot, Jemicy provides UCNLEARN with important feedback for the development of additional features based on the user experience of our young learners.

Kennedy Krieger Institute

Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI) is an international leader in improving the lives of tens of thousands of children and young adults through inpatient and day hospital programs, outpatient clinics, home and community services, education, and research. Jemicy School is engaged in ongoing research with KKI that involves looking at brain and learning differences in children ages 8 through 12 with reading difficulties. Specifically, the research will explore the impact of executive functions on reading, a particular area of interest for Jemicy School.

BINYAN YISROEL

Founded in 2023, Binyan Yisroel is designed to serve motivated students with diagnosed learning differences. Students receive both an excellent Judaic and General Studies education in a nurturing Orthodox environment. Binyan operates two distinct and separate divisions for boys and girls. The boys’ division is generously hosted at Talmudical Academy and the girls' division is generously hosted at Bais Yaakov. Jemicy School provides ongoing educational guidance to the faculty of Binyan Yisroel.