ALTA-Certified Academic Language Therapists (CALTs) and Certified Academic Language Practitioners (CALPs) make a significant difference in the lives of students with language disabilities, such as dyslexia. They do this by providing specialized intervention using multisensory structured language techniques. Their diagnostic, explicit, systematic, Multisensory Structured Language intervention is designed to build students’ accuracy, knowledge, and independence, leading to improved learning outcomes. The Academic Language Therapy Association’s mission is to ”provide its members with a distinction of excellence by setting high standards through an international certification for individuals who complete rigorous evidence-based multisensory structured language coursework and supervised practicum. ALTA verifies that certified members follow a professional code of ethics and complete continuing education to broaden and strengthen their expertise in the field of dyslexia and related disorders. ALTA provides our communities-at-large with leadership and resources to promote quality practices and guidance in the field of dyslexia.”

CALTs use comprehensive evaluation reports and academic samples to tailor intervention plans for students’ needs. They employ multisensory structured language techniques, integrating visual, auditory, and motor processing to effectively teach the structure of the English language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and orthography). CALTs provide intensive, one-to-one, or small-group intervention to develop reading accuracy, fluency, comprehension, spelling, and writing skills. To become a CALT, therapists receive a minimum of 200 hours of training and must complete a minimum of 700 clinical teaching practicum hours. They must also complete a minimum of 10 hour-long demonstration lessons to be approved for certification by a Qualified Instructor. To become a CALT, individuals must pass the ALTA Competency Exam and hold a master’s degree. CALPs undergo a similar type of training and must pass an ALTA Competency Exam at that level. They need at least a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate proficiency in multisensory techniques through their training and assessment. CALTs and CALPs play crucial roles in providing structured language intervention for students with written-language disorders. Because of the high degree of skill and knowledge needed to become a CALT, very few educators achieve this level of certification. There are currently 11 Certified Academic Language Therapists and 5 Certified Academic Language Practitioners in California, some of whom are no longer practicing. Strategies for Learning boasts three CALTs who look forward to working with your child!

Learn more about Strategies for Learning’s certified ALTA therapists:

Stephanie Broytman, M.A. Learning Disabilities from Teacher’s College, Columbia University, ALTA Certified

Jessica Ghassemi, M.A. Learning Disabilities from Teacher’s College, Columbia University, ALTA Certified

Tracy Young, M.A. Business Administration from Boston University, ALTA Certified

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