MTA CURRICULUM NIGHT
Most asked question:
What does MTA stand for?
Answer:
MTA stands for Multisensory
Teaching Approach. It is a
curriculum based on the Orton-Gillingham
approach to reading and is especially
designed for the dyslexic learner.
What is multisensory teaching and
learning?
It is a method by which multiple
senses are engaged simultaneously
in the teaching-learning process.
For example, when learning a new letter
and sound students see, say, name out
loud, write and learn a key word for that
new sound.
Scientific research supports
multisensory teaching/learning for
dyslexic learners. This method
along, with much repetition, helps
develop new neural pathways and
connections in the brain so that the
dyslexic learner’s memory is
enhanced.
Procedures:
Within the MTA Program there are
many procedures. These procedures
are based on research and are an
integral part of the program. Students
are, therefore, expected to learn and
use procedures at all times.
These procedures should
eventually be overlearned and
become “second nature” to the
students. These procedures provide
structure for the students and tools
that they can use to help
themselves in their reading, writing,
and spelling.
The state of Texas requires each
school district to provide a regular
education program for its dyslexic
students. Some students also
qualify for services under special
education.
Lewisville ISD provides the MTA
Program in order to meet those
requirements.
The Lewisville ISD MTA Program
includes phonemic awareness, oral
language, LAPS, and 7 Kits, plus
instruction in reading
comprehension strategies and
fluency.
Some aspects of Phonemic
Awareness training include
segmenting and blending sounds
and words, deleting sounds,
identifying sounds in different
positions in words, and rhyming.
Oral Language:
Oral language activities are
included to improve phonemic
awareness, vocabulary, figurative
language, analogy solving, and
practice in describing various
objects.
LAPS:
Lewisville’s Approach to
Phonemic Sequencing
Each MTA kit contains two
basic kinds of new learning –
MLI’s and Concepts. The kits
also contain reading, syllable
division, and spelling practice.
MTA reading consists of practice
with syllables, words, phrases,
sentences, and paragraphs.
Practice words are based on
phonetic principles and can be
coded and broken into parts
using strategies taught.
After completing Kit 1 reading
concepts, students may also begin
reading in the MTA readers. The
readers are written so that the
students will be practicing the
concepts already introduced and
learned.
MTA Spelling is based on
sounds, rules, and
generalizations.
FLUENCY:
Beginning in third grade, the
Scottish-Rite Hospital
Curriculum for Sight Words and
Fluency is added as part of the
MTA Curriculum.
Comprehension:
Books, poems, stories, and
different types of passages are
used one day per week to teach
and practice comprehension
strategies.