Shelton admits learning-different students of any race, color, sex, religion, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national and ethnic origin in the administration of our educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Take Flight

Shelton Academic Reading Approach (SARA)

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 

July 27 - 31, 2026
Registration will close on July 13, 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

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.

Remaining Dates for this Course

  • September 16, 2026: Canvas/Online
  • October 14, 2026: Canvas/Online
  • November 4, 2026: Virtual
  • December 2, 2026: Canvas/Online
  • January 20, 2027: Online
  • February 3, 2027: Canvas/Online
  • March 31, 2027: Canvas/Online
  • April 21, 2027: Virtual

 

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.)  

The Therapy 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