Introduction
In line with the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC) guidelines, the Dyslexia Professional Report Writing (DPRW) course is the final module for those who are seeking to train to become specialist teachers/assessors. Delegates then become eligible to apply for an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC), awarded by either The Dyslexia Guild, PATOSS or the British Dyslexia Association (BDA).
Please note this course has specific eligibility requirements which are outlined in the ‘Are you eligible section’.
This is a core module on our Masters in Educational Assessment and also contributes to our other postgraduate programmes: SEND and Inclusion, Inclusive Educational Assessment, Autism and Pastoral Care.
What is an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC)?
An Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) is a recognised licence to practise for specialist teachers/assessors. It confirms that the specialist assessor has the appropriate qualifications to undertake full assessments for dyslexia/SpLD to provide evidence to support an application for the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). It also confirms that specialist teachers/assessors have kept their professional practice up-to-date and that their practice has been externally verified as continuing to meet defined competency standards.
Select your study style and dates
Online – self paced
Study at your own pace and time
Info & dates
Cohorts begin in January, May and September.
The next cohort begins on 15 January 2025. Book and enrol before 15 January 2025 to join our next cohort.
Course content
Dyslexia Professional Report Writing is made up of 3 content strands:
- Strand 1: Theoretical underpinning for diagnostic assessment
- Strand 2: Statistical analysis for diagnostic assessment
- Strand 3: Quantitative evidence in diagnostic assessment
- Strand 4: Qualitative evidence in diagnostic assessment
- Strand 5: Synthesising the evidence
- Strand 6: SASC report writing
For more information, please read our detailed content breakdown.
Course details
How will you benefit?
Develop professional expertise
- Put yourself in a pole position to apply for the SpLD Assessment Practising Certificate (APC).
- Understand the key dyslexia assessments that need to be used to help each individual.
- Further, develop your understanding of specific learning difficulties with a focus on dyslexia.
- Develop dyslexia assessment tools that enable you to write reports to the APC standard.
- Significantly enhance the quality of your assessment of each individual, whether or not each assessment leads to a diagnosis.
- Obtain a comprehensive understanding of the academic debates in this area, changes in relation to definitions and terminology over time and the role of discrepancy analysis.
- Familiarise yourself with the key components of a rigorous and professional dyslexia assessment.
- Put your enhanced conceptual understanding of dyslexia into practice.
- Learn how to conduct a full professional assessment and make the best possible judgment.
- Develop your broader practice, knowledge, and skills through reflection.
Add real value to your school
Our Dyslexia: Professional Report Writing module will enable your school/setting to:
- Gain a deeper understanding of dyslexia and the real needs of dyslexic students.
- Identify individuals who require additional support.
- Produce and use a rigorous, evidence-based framework for assessment and reporting.
- Foster and develop knowledge and skills that enable you to create a clear learning path for those with dyslexia, based on a holistic analysis of their strengths and key areas for future development.
Learn on the job
- Harness your day-to-day professional experience and work with your tutor to develop your skills.
- Explore aspects of your own and others’ practice using theories, reflection, and activities to help you.
Engage with flexible e-learning
- Study online and integrate your learning into your working day.
- Work at a time and pace that suits you.
- Work closely with your peers and dedicated tutors online.
- Access our sophisticated online learning platform and utilise the latest technologies: video and multimedia content, access to two thousand full-text journals, case studies and problem-based scenarios, directed reading, structured learning logs, online discussion, online questionnaires, peer evaluation, and student forums.
Accrue credits towards your Master of Education (MEd)
This module is designed, delivered, and assessed by Real Training and quality assured and awarded by Middlesex University.
- Attain 30 Masters-level (M-level) credits when you successfully complete the Dyslexia Professional Report Writing module.
- Obtain a PGCert or PGDip or MEd in SEND by combining this module with others from any of our Masters programmes.
- If you have successfully completed the Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing (CCET), you will be able to apply to join one of our Masters Programmes with an additional 30 credits.
- Complete an additional 120 credits – this includes a 60-credit dissertation module and the MEd is yours.
Connect with your peers
- Obtain exclusive access to Campus OnlineTM.
- Interact with your peers using our advanced learning platform and our unique student forum.
Please note we will ensure that you never feel lonely or unsupported in your studies.
Liaise with experienced tutors
- Enjoy dedicated specialist support from a broad range of experienced tutors.
- Work with a professional tutor and receive dedicated support from the module team – made up of experienced EPs and specialist teachers with an APC and AMBDA.
Our SENCOs and EPs know the education sector inside out.
Cohorts begin in January, May, or September.
Detailed content breakdown
This comprehensive 12-month programme provides a deep understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of diagnostic assessment for dyslexia. The course is designed to equip practitioners with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct thorough assessments, interpret results accurately, and write comprehensive reports in line with SASC criteria.
The DPRW course covers the following key areas:
- Theoretical Underpinning for Diagnostic Assessment: Develop a strong foundation in the theoretical models and frameworks that underpin diagnostic assessments for SpLD.
- Statistical Analysis for Diagnostic Assessment: Learn how to apply statistical methods to analyse assessment data and interpret results effectively.
- Quantitative Evidence in Diagnostic Assessment: Understand the role of quantitative data in diagnostic assessments and how to use standardised tests and measures.
- Qualitative Evidence in Diagnostic Assessment: Explore the importance of qualitative data, including observations and background information, in gaining a holistic understanding of an individual’s profile.
- Synthesising the Evidence: Develop skills in integrating quantitative and qualitative data to form a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s strengths and weaknesses.
- SASC Report Writing: Gain strong command of writing clear, concise, and informative reports that meet the SASC standards.
Course features:
- Interactive Learning: Engage in formative tasks, including quizzes and summary activities, to reinforce learning.
- Assessor Toolkit: Build a personalised toolkit of resources for effective report writing.
- Practical Experience: Conduct three full diagnostic assessments with different examinees, receiving formative feedback on the first two.
- Phased Approach: Progress through the course content in a structured manner, building on previous knowledge and skills.
- Updated Content: The course reflects the latest research and best practices, including the Delphi definition of dyslexia and the use of the TOD for diagnostic assessment.
How is the course delivered?
- You will develop your professional knowledge and understanding through practice – it’s the best way to learn.
- Our virtual learning platform, Campus Online, will support you with content that complements your learning every step of the way.
- Study with some of the finest practitioners around.
- Engage with outstanding content and practical activities that truly enhance your professional development.
How will you be assessed?
- Formative feedback is provided on the first two assessment administrations and reports.
- The final report must demonstrate independent competence in meeting the SASC criteria.
- A Certificate of Achievement will be issued on successful completion of the course as determined by the results of the Assessment Board.
- If you completed DPRW as part of a PGCert or PGDip, your additional certificate for this will be issued a few months later by Middlesex University.
Are you eligible?
You need to have:
- Either Associate Membership of The Dyslexia Guild (ADG), a British Dyslexia Association accredited Approved Teacher Status (ATS) or Approved Practitioner Status (APS) qualification, or hold level 5 or 7 SpLD specialist teacher/practitioner qualifications which would make you eligible for ADG/ATS/APS.
Please note: if you do not hold a membership or hold an FE/HE membership type, you will need to demonstrate eligibility prior to joining the course.
In addition to this, you will also need to:
- Have completed Real Training’s Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing (CCET).
- Be registered on the British Psychological Society’s (BPS’s) Register of Qualifications in Test Use (RQTU) and have gained the BPS’s Test User Educational Qualification.
- Demonstrated that your registration has been maintained if you have already attained the BPS’s Test User Educational Qualification.
You should also:
- Possess an undergraduate degree.
- Work in or have access to an education setting.
- Have access to the required tests (please see the next dropdown for further 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.
What tests are required for this course?
For the Dyslexia Professional Report Writing course, you will be required to have the following as the foundation of your test battery:
- The TOD – We feel the ‘Test Of Dyslexia Comprehensive Kit’ is likely to be the most suitable for delegates as this covers a wide age range from 6-89 years old.
- CTOPP 2
- DASH 2
Please note that you will not need access to these tests until about two months into the course.
Real Group runs the Dyslexia Action Shop which sells many of the most popular tests from the main test publishers in the UK and USA. We offer delegates a 10% discount off most products.
Please note: we have no control over the rules that publishers use to decide who is eligible to buy their tests and we will need to follow their guidance when selling tests. We may need you to provide information regarding qualifications for us to check your eligibility.
Choose a start date that suits you
Cohorts begin in January, May and September.
The next cohort begins on 15 January 2025. Book and enrol before 15 January 2025 to join our next cohort.
What are the timelines?
How much does the course cost?
As always, we can offer you a flexible range of fees to suit your finances:
- Single payment of £2,400 + VAT.
- Three monthly instalments of £825 + VAT.
- Ten monthly instalments of £252 + VAT.
For further information please visit the payment FAQ page found here.
Speak to us (01273 35 80 80) or make a booking.
Success stories
“I think the online programme resources were clearly laid out and easily accessible. I found the videos of the assessments being carried out of great help and they made for a great reference tool.”
Ama Boaten-Rolfe
Module leader
Module Leader, Professional Practice Manager – Dyslexia Assessment
Jessica is an experienced teacher, teacher trainer and specialist assessor. Her recent school experience includes working as a SENDCo and Specialist Teacher Assessor at schools in London. During this time, Jessica was part of an SpLD Working Party which produced local authority SpLD/Dyslexia policy.
As well as being the course leader for this module, Jessica is also a tutor for our sister company, Dyslexia Action, on the specialist assessment programmes.
Recently she participated in the Delphi panel, contributing to the updated definition of dyslexia in the UK.