Take Flight

Shelton Academic Reading Approach (SARA)

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 SARA program. (PDF)

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

Course Description: SARA 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. SARA is based on the Alphabetic Phonics approach and utilizes the Take Flight: A Comprehensive Intervention for Students with Dyslexia materials developed at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital.

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

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

 Dates/Times: IN-PERSON COURSE ONLY - Two Option Dates with scheduled follow-up dates listed below

July 27 - 31, 2026
Remaining Dates For This Course: 

• September 3 - Day 6
• September 24 - Day 7
• October 15 - Day 8
• November 5 - Day 9
• December 3 - Day 10
• January 14, 2027 - Day 11
• February 4, 2027 - Day 12
• March 4, 2027 - Day 13
• April 8, 2027 - Day 14
• May 6, 2027 - Day 15

• Written Language Skills Intervention for Students with Dyslexia 

• 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.

• 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 SARA 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.

Course Description: SARA 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. SARA is based on the Alphabetic Phonics approach and utilizes the Take Flight: A Comprehensive Intervention for Students with Dyslexia materials developed at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital.

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

Prerequisites: Successful completion of SARA Teaching Level (SARA1)

• June 22 - 26, 2026
  • Coursework will take place in residence on the Shelton campus and cover Take Flight Books 5-7.

Register for This Course

Therapeutic Implementation of Written Language Skills Intervention for Students with Dyslexia 
Prior to enrolling in this Therapy Level course, participants must have completed the corresponding Teaching Level course. This course satisfies all requirements at the Therapy Level and prepares the participant for the ALTA Competency Certification Examination at the Dyslexia Therapist 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.) Participants may choose to attend the six follow up days during the week or on Saturdays. 

• Therapy Seminars
  • Fall 2026 Seminars - 5 Sessions (8:30 am - 4:30 pm) 
    Classroom Management of the Learning Different Student 
  • Spring 2027 Seminars - 5 Sessions (8:30am - 4:30 pm) 
    Classroom Instruction of the Learning Different Student 

The Saturday Seminars are part of the Therapy Level coursework in Take Flight/SARA 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

• 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

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.