Dyslexia Matters

Understanding thecomplex difficulties experienced by dyslexic learners will be at the heart of a thought-provoking Edge Hill University event.

The University, which is one of the UK's largest providers for the National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordination and the Specialist Dyslexia Training for Teachers programme, is hosting a conference to discuss issues around dyslexia on Friday 10^th June 2011.

According to the British Dyslexia Association (BDA), 10% of the British population are dyslexic, and of this figure approximately 4% are severely so.

In light of these startling statistics, the University is aiming to bring together teachers,  lecturers, practitioners, students and anyone with an interest in the subject to explore effective interventions in schools and to share good practice.

The idea behind the conference is to understand learning processes and the influences of effective classroom practice, strategies for positive intervention, and will offer practical information combined with up-to-date professional thinking. There will also be a number of practical workshops.

Keynote presentations on the day will include:

• How Dyslexia Can Handicap the Learning of Maths. Can we Recognise and Address the Problems? Dr Steve Chinn, author and international speaker;
• The 'Spell' of Words by Judy Capener, British Dyslexia Association;
• Dyslexia and Reading Comprehension - In Search of the Magic Bullet, Neil MacKay, Action Dyslexia International;
• The Bagatelle Model of SpLD - A Manifesto, Dr Ross Cooper, London South Bank University;
• Thinking Through How Children Learn - The Implications for Teachers, Dr Tony Eaude, University of Oxford.

Edge Hill University's Dyslexia Programme Leader Karen Boardman, said: "There's no doubt that dyslexia-friendly practice is becoming more and more important for all settings - multi-sensory teaching works well in both primary and secondary settings. Our Specialist Dyslexia Training for Teachers programme aims to increase the participation of pupils with dyslexia, raise their achievement in schools and improve their well-being. This conference complements the good work that we are doing here to ensure that we can work together to make a real difference to pupils and other teachers in supporting those with specific learning needs."

The cost of the conference is £120 (inclusive of VAT). Discounts are available for Edge Hill University students on the Specialist Dyslexia Training for Teachers programme. For more information, please email karen.boardman@edgehill.ac.uk or contact 01695 650844.

Edge Hill University has an unrivalled track record in teacher training and professional development and recently celebrated the unique achievement of top marks in every area of its training following a glowing Ofsted inspection.

It's the first time that a University offering all three phases of initial teacher training has achieved the highest possible ‘outstanding' Grade 1s in all areas examined during the inspection and builds on Edge Hill's already outstanding reputation for, and a commitment to, the highest quality training of education professionals.