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Dyslexia – Leadership and Intervention30 creditsMaster of EducationOnlineContinuing Professional DevelopmentValidated by Middlesex University

 

Dyslexia

Dyslexia: Leadership and Intervention will prepare you to undertake a leadership role in your setting related to literacy/SpLD based on an understanding of the Rose 2009 definition of dyslexia including: core features of dyslexia, dyslexia as a continuum of difficulty and co-occurring difficulties.

By developing knowledge of typical and atypical development in relation to literacy acquisition, including theories of emergent literacy in preschool children and the role of language acquisition in literacy acquisition, you will be able to embed best practice in relation to identification of dyslexia/SpLD, effective instruction and evaluation of programmes within your own setting.

This module is an optional module on our SEND and Inclusion Programme and our Inclusive Educational Leadership Programme.

Why take this module?

Choose this module and:

  • Build in-depth knowledge of theories about language and reading acquisition and the impact of factors that may influence acquisition, models of reading and reading failure, including links to self-esteem/motivation and the role of the learning environment.
  • In-depth knowledge of dyslexia/SpLD as a type of reading difficulty and the approaches to, and management of, interventions in reading difficulties with reference to the role of instructional theory.
  • Be able to critically analyse models and theories about reading failure.
  • Share knowledge with others (for example, professional colleagues, parents) about reading acquisition and failure, including SpLD.
  • Evaluate suitable interventions/approaches for failing readers.

Please note

Alternative dyslexia qualifications tend to focus on teaching individuals (e.g. British Dyslexia Association (BDA) accredited Approved Teacher Status and Practising Certificates). In contrast, these modules are concerned with leadership and interventions across the system – at an individual, group, school, and school-cluster level. This qualification is designed for professionals who wish to lead in the area of dyslexia. As such, we have chosen not to seek BDA accreditation.

Cohorts begin in January, May, or September.

The next cohort begins on 15 May 2024. Book and enrol before 15 May 2024 to join our next cohort.

How will you benefit?

This module will benefit you and your setting in a wide variety of ways. Over the duration of the course, you will:

  • Learn how to lead and make effective interventions to support learners with dyslexia in your setting.
  • Be fully up-to-date in your knowledge on the latest thinking and interventions surrounding dyslexia.
  • Broaden your professional practice to include the management of whole-school interventions and staff who teach dyslexic individuals.
  • Attain 30 Masters level (Level 7) credits which you can put towards a PGCert, PGDip or Master of Education on our SEND and Inclusion or Inclusive Educational Leadership Programme

Choose a start date that suits you

Cohorts begin in January, May, or September.

The next cohort begins on 15 May 2024. Book and enrol before 15 May 2024 to join our next cohort.

The module content

  • Language acquisition and its relationship with literacy acquisition. Typical and atypical development in relation to language acquisition/development, including overview of theories of language development.
  • Emergent literacy, focusing on the preschool years, including parental role/contribution and how literacy development can be supported in the Foundation Stage (with reference to EYFS).
  • Theories and models about reading acquisition and development. Neurobiological considerations. The simple view of reading and the dual role cascade route. Logographic, alphabetic and orthographic stages of reading development. The role of cognitive processes such as memory, perception, attention.
  • Theories and models about reading failure and individual differences in reading/literacy acquisition, including SpLD/dyslexia. Definitions of dyslexia/SpLD and theories about aetiology (for example, neuro-developmental, genetic, phonological deficit theory).
  • Instructional theory and how this informs views about reading acquisition and failure. Relate to contextual/classroom factors and the role of Wave 1 quality first teaching.
  • Motivation and self-esteem in relation to reading failure.
  • Screening and identification of reading difficulties. Identification of dyslexia and working effectively with parents, children and specialists.
  • Use and contribution of ICT.
  • Intervention in reading failure. Link to instructional theory. Specific approaches such as multi-sensory teaching, direct instruction. Whole school interventions and prevention of dyslexic type difficulties. The evidence base for interventions and prevention approaches.
  • Leadership in the area of dyslexia/reading difficulties, including designing Service Level Agreements for contractors or job descriptions for specialist dyslexia professionals. The role of the dyslexia specialist teacher, including knowledge of qualifications linked to this role. Managing, supporting and evaluating the impact of specialist input.

Strand one: Leading strategic consultations with colleagues on literacy development

  • Develop an approach to enable you to lead colleague consultations on the literacy development of a number of learners.
  • Familiarise yourself with the current models and theories of literacy development and incorporate this knowledge in strategic consultations in your leadership role.
  • Create a literacy consultation framework as a basis for your discussions with colleagues.
  • Create a literacy profile to outline the skills that you have acquired and the next steps for each learner.

Strand two: Managing information for colleagues on literacy difficulties and dyslexia

  • Critically examine the information available in your setting that is intended to help your colleagues understand and identify literacy difficulties and dyslexia.
  • Review the current theories, definitions and debates surrounding reading acquisition difficulties and dyslexia.
  • Use this information to develop the existing information, or create new sources of information that take the needs of those with literacy difficulties and dyslexia into account.

Strand three: Supporting learners – creating a dyslexia-friendly environment

  • Develop your knowledge of what constitutes effective support for learners with literacy difficulties/dyslexia.
  • Familiarise yourself with the features of effective literacy interventions in theory and practice.
  • Put together an overview presentation that highlights the dyslexia-friendly practice in your setting.
  • Build on your presentation by providing your colleagues with information on the best dyslexia-friendly practice and provision in your setting.

Strand four: Supporting learners – critiquing a literacy intervention

  • Practice-based activities will support you in critiquing a literacy intervention currently used in your setting.
  • Become familiar with the features of effective literacy interventions in theory and in practice.
  • Evaluate a literacy intervention currently in place, in light of the information that you have gathered about literacy development, literacy difficulties, and effective intervention.

How will you be assessed?

Your assessments will consist of the following:

  • Self evaluation questionnaires for you to check your knowledge and understanding throughout the module
  • Two assessed tasks:
  • Task (2,000 words): A critical comparison of two identified learners in relation to the impact of factors influencing typical acquisition of language and literacy
  • A PowerPoint presentation (slides and notes – equivalent to 2,000 words or 15 minutes) entitled: ‘What is dyslexia, how to create a dyslexia-friendly learning environment to facilitate the differences and strengths of dyslexic learners as well as support the challenges of dyslexia’ The presentation should be aimed at professional colleagues, and the learning environment element may reflect a chosen phase or stage of education (Primary Key Stages 1 and 2, Secondary Key Stages 3 and 4 or post16/adult).
  • Task (2,000 words): A critique of a selected literacy intervention, using a donated pro forma that highlights interrogation of the evidence base, programme design and instructional theory.

Where indicated by your tutor, you may submit those multimedia resources that you have produced within your applied practice as part of your final portfolio of evidence.

How is the module delivered?

  • Our courses are delivered through Campus Online, our unique provision for online learning.
  • Campus Online allows you to study at your own pace, without the need to travel, or commit to particular dates or times. Log in to access your study materials, contact your personal tutor for support, connect and network with other delegates and make use of the extensive resource library.
  • You can easily track your progress throughout the course and submit your work and evidence of assignments for feedback.

Are you eligible?

You must hold an undergraduate degree.

You will need to be working in an educational setting for this module. If you aren’t currently working in an educational setting you will need written permission from a senior member of staff to regularly access a setting. We can show you the best way to do this, enabling you to carry out our learning activities in your chosen setting. As part of this process, you will also need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Visit GOV.UK for more information.

Are you based in an international setting?

This course is available online and can, therefore, be completed anywhere in the world. Please click here for advice on payment options and other information relevant to those studying outside of the UK.

How much does it cost?

We offer a flexible range of fees to suit your finances:

  • A one-off payment of £1,495 + VAT
  • Three instalments of £523 + VAT
  • Ten instalments of £162 + VAT

For further information please visit the payment FAQ page found here.

Speak to us (01273 358080) or make a booking.

When does the course start?

Cohorts begin in January, May, or September.

The next cohort begins on 15 May 2024. Book and enrol before 15 May 2024 to join our next cohort.

Please note: as it takes time to process your application and payment, we strongly recommend you register as soon as possible, so that you don’t miss the next intake.

How long does it take to complete the course?

The duration of this module is up to one year.

We do understand, however, that circumstances can arise that could prevent the course being completed in this time period. If this is the case, an extension can be arranged in conjunction with the admin team and your tutor.

Testimonials

‘Julie has been very supportive and patient. Her comments have always been informative and complimentary which has boosted my confidence throughout the course.’Sarah Meakin

‘Really enjoyed the practical and flexible nature of this course. I found all the tasks useful and well sequenced. It was great having access to the library.’Claudia Campbell-Pegg

Module Leader

Dr Julie Cozens

DyslexiaDr Julie Cozens is a senior educational psychologist specialising in literacy and interventions for dyslexia. She has made key contributions to the development of dyslexia policy and practice for local authorities and delivers dyslexia training to teacher and trainee educational psychologists at Exeter University.

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