Category: News

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Emily Hanford’s exploration of the science of reading

Journalist Emily Hanford (author of Hard Words: Why aren’t kids being taught to read) recently presented an online keynote presentation as part of the PaTTAN Literacy Symposium.

The presentation focuses on Emily’s exploration of the science of reading. She shares some important take-home messages about changing the way the message of effective evidence-informed instruction is delivered.

We are looking forward to hosting Emily soon as a guest on our upcoming webinar series featuring several exciting international speakers. More news coming soon!

In the meantime, please enjoy this webinar which is highly recommended for educators, parents, and anyone concerned about how children are taught to read.

 

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Interview with Dr. Jack Fletcher

This video interview with esteemed child neuropsychologist Dr. Jack Fletcher is a must-watch! Dr. Fletcher is the Principal Investigator of the Texas Centre for Learning Disabilities and is a former member of the NICHD National Advisory Council and the President’s Commission on Excellence in Special Education.

In the video, he explains the importance of early intervention for children with dyslexia, the key characteristics of effective reading intervention, the danger of intervention fads, and more.

Dr. Fletcher advocates for “Strong core instruction for everyone, which absolutely reduces risk… in the context of universal screening and progress monitoring.”

Listen to (or read) the interview here: readingrockets.org/teaching/experts/jack-fletcher

Child Neuropsychologist Dr. Jack Fletcher
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Sounds-Write training is now available in an online format!

Sounds~Write is an evidence-based linguistic phonics program utilising an exciting and highly successful approach to the teaching of reading and spelling. The AUSPELD team are delighted to be offering online Sounds~Write workshops to interested teachers, tutors, parents, and allied health professionals. The first AUSPELD Sounds~Write course has gotten off to a fantastic start, and the upcoming June course is already booking up quickly. Two new start dates have also now been announced in July and August.

The online course runs for six weeks (with four weeks of content) and is monitored by experienced Sounds~Write trainers. Further information and booking details can be found by clicking on the flyer below.

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Updates to SPELD Services

State SPELD Associations have made a number of changes to their services in recent weeks in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim is continue to support the schools, families and organisations that we currently work with (as well as those who are new to AUSPELD) in a manner that is appropriate for these rapidly changing times. To find out more about the ways we are continuing to support our communities, please go to State SPELDs – Providing essential services and support or click on the image below.

We will be adding new resources and information to the AUSPELD website and providing regular updates on our Facebook page, so make sure to follow AUSPELD at facebook.com/AUSPELD/ 

For more information, please contact your local State SPELD.

 

Click on the image below to expand.

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Federal MP Highlights the Importance of Phonics

Julian Leeser MP, Member for Berowra NSW, recently raised the importance of high quality early phonics instruction in federal parliament. Mr Leeser emphasised the need for explicit literacy instruction in schools which focuses on the relationships between sounds and letter patterns in English. The CEO of SPELD NSW, Georgina Perry, provided pertinent comments regarding this matter which have been included in Hansard.

Mr Leeser also outlined the success of the year 1 phonics screening test in England and the results of the phonics check trial in South Australia. Ms Perry is quoted as saying, “The phonics check is a valuable tool as it helps teachers confirm their students are learning essential phonics skills and may help identify those students who are having difficulty learning to read.”

Mr Leeser’s speech can be found in Hansard here.

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AUSPELD & LDA Submission to the 2019 Review of the Melbourne Declaration

Earlier this year, Federal Education Minister The Honourable Dan Tehan MP announced a review of the Melbourne Declaration. In 2008, the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians was signed by all Australian Education Ministers at the time. It set out two main goals for education in Australia:

  • The promotion of equity and excellence in Australian schools; and,
  • That all young Australians become successful learners, confident and creative individuals, and active and informed citizens.

Submissions to the review were invited from education stakeholders and community members. AUSPELD and LDA (Learning Difficulties Australia) completed a joint submission which can be viewed here.

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researchED Guides Available Now

This accessible and punchy series, overseen by researchED founder Tom Bennett, tackles the most important topics in education, with a range of experienced contributors exploring the latest evidence and research and how it can apply in a variety of classroom settings.

Order Form

Guide to Explicit and Direct Instruction

researchED Guide to Explicit and Direct Instruction
The value and use of explicit instruction to improve academic outcomes is explored across a range of settings and subject areas. Incorporating compelling evidence from the cognitive sciences, the writers include: Kris Boulton; Greg  Ashman; Gethyn Jones; Tom Needham; Lia Martin and Amy Coombe; Naveen Rivzi; Hannah Stoten; John Blake; Sarah Barker; Summer Turner; Sarah Cullen and Zig Englemann. Editor: Adam Boxer.

 

Guide to Educational Myths

researchED Guide to Educational Myths
The most damaging myths that continue to circulate in education settings are identified and discussed in this edition by a selection of evidence informed writers including: Clare Sealy, Tom Sherrington, Andrew Old, Mark Enser, Robert and Elizabeth Bjork, Harry Fletcher Wood, Greg Ashman and Doug Lemov. Editor: Craig Barton.

 

Guide to Literacy

researchED Guide to Literacy
What do we mean by literacy, why it matters and what happens if we don’t get it right? An exploration of this important area with contributions from: Kathy Rastle, Rhona

Stainthorp, Tom Needham, Alex Quigley, Jessie Ricketts, Kevin and Robyn Wheldall, Kerry Hempenstall and Dianne Murphy. Editors: James Murphy and Tom Bennett.

 

Guide to the Curriculum

researchED Guide to the Curriculum
How can schools get the most out of a rich curriculum? Contributors to this title include: Neil Almond; Andrew Percival; Doug Lemov and Emily Badillo; Sonia Thompson; Christine Counsell; Michael Young; Ruth Ashbee; and Aurora Reid. Editor: Clare Sealy.

 

Each ResearchED guide is priced at $24 each, or $60 for any three, and $80 for any four.

Order Form
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Specific Learning Disorders Flow Chart

The Specific Learning Disorders Flow Chart is a useful reference for anyone working with students with SLD. It provides an overview of the types of specific learning disorders including identifying characteristics and underlying processing impairments. The flow chart outlines the functional impact of a learning disorder in the classroom and the implications for intervention. Recommendations for adjustments and accommodations are also detailed.

Two versions of the flow chart are provided below: a printable version designed to be printed double-sided onto A3 paper, and a PDF version suited to viewing on computer or another electronic device.

 

 Click here to download the printable version – to print double-sided on A3 paper

 Click here to download the viewable version

 

 

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Understanding Learning Difficulties: A Guide for Parents (Revised Edition) Now Available Online

Red cover from AUSPELDs Understanding Learning Difficulties: A guide for Parents - Revised editionA web version and a downloadable PDF of Understanding Learning Difficulties: A Guide for Parents (Revised Edition) are now available free of charge on the ULD for Parents website.

This Guide has recently been revamped to provide parents and carers with additional information about the nature of learning disabilities in children, and to offer up-to-date practical guidance on the most appropriate identification, intervention and support.

The first AUSPELD Understanding Learning Difficulties: A Practical Guide was published in 2014 and rapidly became a must-have title for any educator or allied professional supporting students with learning difficulties or specific learning disorders. The guides provide readers with an in-depth understanding of learning difficulties and specific learning disorders, and also share advice and practical information on the best approaches to use with students who have learning difficulties or diagnosed specific learning disorders.

Additional information and several new tip sheets have also been added to the latest edition.

You can also purchase hard copies of the parents and other revised guides from the Resources page.

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Carol Allen 2019 Australian Tour

Internationally recognised education advisor Carol Allen is coming to Australia this year. Carol’s expertise in the area of ICT and learning difficulties is highly sought-after in the UK, and she was recognised as a “Top-ten Educator Using Technology” for 2018 by the UK parliament.

Carol will be presenting full-day teacher workshops in five capital cities focusing on how to use assistive technology as an integrated support rather than a stand alone activity. The workshops will be packed full of activities, including interactive demonstrations, which teachers will immediately be able to take away and add to their toolkit of potential ideas.

Carol has been teaching since 1980 in both primary and secondary mainstream schools, and schools for students with learning difficulties. As an English specialist, Carol is aware that communication lies at the heart of all effective teaching. As a result, the majority of her work has centred on the creative and engaging use of technology to support struggling students.

Carol Allen’s work centres on easy to replicate practice which is fun, achievable and will improve educational outcomes. Carol has provided workshops and keynote presentations in Denmark, Geneva, ATIA Florida, Riyadh, BETT, Birmingham, Manchester, London and Australia.

Photo of attendees around round tables watching Carol Allen present in Perth, 2018

Carol Allen’s 2019 Australian Tour Dates and Locations

Perth Monday, August 26th www.dsf.net.au for details
Melbourne Thursday August 29th www.speldvic.org.au for details
Adelaide Saturday, August 31st www.speld-sa.org.au for details
Brisbane Tuesday, September 3rd www.speld.org.au for details
Sydney Friday, September 6th www.speldnsw.org.au for details

 

Carol Allen will also run workshops for parents. Please check your local SPELD’s calendar for details.