MTA (Multisensory Teaching Approach)

Shelton Academic Language Approach (SALA)

The Shelton Academic Language Approach (SALA) is an IMSLEC and IDA accredited course utilizing structured, multi-sensory language instruction based on the Alphabetic Phonics approach for teaching reading, handwriting, spelling, comprehension and written expression. The content moves from simple to complex and from the most dependable, reliable patterns in our language to the less dependable and reliable. SALA is based on the Alphabetic Phonics approach and utilizes the MTA (Multisensory Teaching Approach) materials developed by Margaret Taylor Smith.

Upon successful completion of all teaching or therapy-level requirements, participants are eligible to sit for the ALTA Competency Certification Examination administered by the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA). Completion of this program may lead to national professional certification as a Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP) or Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT).

SALA (MTA) Therapy Level Training Certification is also available after completion of Teaching Level Certification.

This course may be taken for graduate level credit as part of the required coursework for the Master of Arts in Teaching through Dallas Baptist University. Get more information about Degree Programs through DBU.

This course is taught at the Shelton School in Dallas, Texas. (map)

Contact Chris Bedenbaugh with questions or for more information.

Teaching Level Certification Coursework

Learn more about the SALA program. (PDF)

Coursework and Practicum – $3600
Courses and practicum for Teaching Level certification are listed below. 

Kit 1, Alphabet/Dictionary Guide, Procedures Booklet, and Handwriting Manual are provided. Kits 2 - 4 may be purchased through MTS Publications. Allow three weeks for delivery. Student materials are reproducible and included in the kits.

Course Description: SALA, an IMSLEC and IDA accredited course, addresses basic language skills for reading, writing and spelling. Participants are trained in the use of a multisensory structured language program for students with specific language disabilities such as dyslexia and related disorders. SALA is based on the Alphabetic Phonics approach and utilizes the Multisensory Teaching Approach (MTA) materials developed by Margaret Taylor Smith.

This course satisfies all requirements at the Teaching Level and prepares the participant for the ALTA Competency Certification Examination at the Dyslexia Practitioner Level.

A maximum of 25 participants per group.

Prerequisite: A Bachelor's degree is required for Teaching Level certification

Dates/Times: IN-PERSON COURSE ONLY

• July 20 - 24, 2026 (8:30 am - 4:30 pm)
  Remaining Dates For This Course:
  • August 24, 2026 - Day 6
  • September 14, 2026 - Day 7
  • September 28, 2026 - Day 8
  • October 19, 2026 - Day 9
  • November 2, 2026 - Day 10
  • December 14, 2026 - Day 11
  • January 25, 2027 - Day 12
  • February 22, 2027 - Day 13
  • April 5, 2027 - Day 14
  • April 26, 2027 - Day 15

• Teaching Written Language Skills Intervention for Students with Dyslexia with an Alphabetic Phonics Approach

• Theory to Practice
  This course satisfies all requirements at the Teaching Level and prepares the participant for the ALTA Competency Certification Examination at the Dyslexia Practitioner Level.
  Course Instructor: Chris Bedenbaugh

• Teaching Level Practicum I
  • Required for certification
  • 5 demonstration lessons (minimum)
  • 60 clinical teaching hours
  • Minimum 9-month period

REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE

Therapy Level Certification Coursework

Learn more about the SALA program. (PDF)

Coursework and Practicum – $3600
All instructor materials needed to implement the program are included. Student materials are not included, however, guidance is given in selecting and purchasing appropriate student materials.

Kits 5-7 are not provided within this fee. The kits may be purchased through MTS Publications. Allow three weeks for delivery. Student materials are reproducible and included in the kits.

Dates/Times: IN-PERSON COURSE ONLY

• July 13 - 17, 2026 (8:30 am - 4:30 pm)
  Remaining Dates For This Course:

REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE

• Teaching Written Language Skills with an Alphabetic Phonics Approach - Therapy Level
  Some instructor materials needed to implement the program are included. Additional materials will need to be purchased from www.mtspublications.com. Guidance will be provided. Participants must have completed the corresponding Teaching Level course prior to enrolling in this Therapy Level course. This course satisfies 40 hours of the 245 hours required for certification at the Therapy Level. The course will train participants in the therapeutic analysis of written language disorders. A master’s degree is recommended for Therapy Level Certification (by completion of the coursework and practicum.)
  Course Instructor: Chris Bedenbaugh

• Diagnosing Learning-Different Children – Referral and Testing
  Participants must have bachelor’s degree. This course will provide an overview of the diagnostic criteria for Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder, Reading Disorder or dyslexia, and Developmental Coordination Disorder or dysgraphia, the most common learning disabilities, as well as ADHD, one of the most common behavioral difficulties. Participants will be taught the general guidelines for administering some of the psychoeducational tests used to evaluate these difficulties, will practice interpreting testing reports, and will learn what interventions are most appropriate for each disorder. Completion of this course would be part of a degree or licensure/certification plan, but would not qualify the participant to diagnose without further training.
  Course Instructor: Laure Ames, Ph.D.   

  • July 6 - 10, 2026
    Registration Deadline is June 26, 2026

Register for this Course

• Therapy Seminars
  • Fall 2026 Therapy Seminars - 5 Sessions 8:30pm - 4:30pm 
    Classroom Management of the Learning Different Student
  • Spring 2027 Therapy Seminars - 5 Sessions 8:30pm - 4:30pm 
    Classroom Instruction of the Learning Different Student 
    
    The Saturday Seminars are part of the Therapy Level coursework in MTA/SALA and are included in the Therapy Level course fee.
    • View more information including session dates and times for the seminars

• Therapy Level Practicum II
  • Required for certification
  • 10 demonstration lessons (minimum)
  • 350 clinical teaching hours (minimum)
  • Minimum 2-year period

This course may be taken for graduate-level credit as part of the required coursework for the Master of Arts in Teaching through Dallas Baptist University. Get more information about Degree Programs through DBU.