Tameside / MMU Certificate In SpLD
Developing Schools' Capacities to Include Pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia)
"The quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers is an obvious truth, which applies to the assessment and teaching of learners of any age who are dyslexic. In other words, success depends first and foremost on teachers who know what they are doing and why they are doing it".
(The Rose Report on Identifying and Teaching Children and Young People with Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties June 2009)
Jim Rose's report goes on to identify 3 levels of expertise needed in the teaching workforce in order to successfully include pupils with SpLD/ Dyslexia. They are summarised in the model below.
In Tameside we are aiming to ensure that all teaching staff in schools have a foundation knowledge of SpLD dyslexia through the promotion of the DCSF Inclusion Development Programme online training (corresponding to the 'Core Skills level in the diagram above).
In addition we aim to ensure that each school has at least one member of staff with more advanced knowledge and expertise in supporting these children (corresponding to the Advanced Skills level in the diagram). To achieve this the EPALS team have developed a Certificate in SpLD course.
This course has just completed a successful first year and we will be running it again this year aiming to extend the number of Tameside schools able to provide an advanced level of expertise in SpLD/Dyslexia.
We have attached a copy of the Certificate in SpLD course outline, which will run over the course of the next academic year.
There will be a limited number of places on the 2010/2011 course so it is important that school register and interest as early as possible.
Certificate in SpLD for Teaching Assistants
Course Title
Certificate in Professional Studies Stage 1 Learning Support: Specific Learning Difficulties
Course Duration
1 Year, Part Time
Course Fees
£200
Details
This certificate course is being run by Tameside in conjunction with Manchester Metropolitan University from September 2011.
Course Outline
The course consists of 3 units.
- Unit 1: Assessing and Planning for Teaching
- Unit 2: An Introduction to Multi-Sensory Teaching
- Unit 3: Supervised Professional Activities
Units 1 and 2 are taught units and require 8 mornings of attendance (Wednesdays) or MMU Didsbury Campus.
Unit 3 is a Teaching Practice Unit followed in schools, supervised by members of the Tameside Educational Psychology and Learning Support Team.
Course Assessment
Unit 1:
A Reading Miscue Analysis and Spelling Analysis with commentary and recommendations for intervention (1,800 words plus annotated test forms).
Unit 2:
A Portfolio (2,500 words) showing ability to:
- Produce structured materials 3 x Literacy; 3 x Numeracy with explanations of how to use them.
- Understand theories of teaching and Learning as applied to SpLD (forms 1,800 words of the portfolio, cross-referencing to the teaching materials).
Unit 3:
A Teaching Diary (2,500 words equivalent) showing ability to:
- Devise a pupil ILP (including medium and short-term aims).
- Give an overview of the programme and produce a record sheet for teaching points covered.
- Produce lesson plans for a minimum of 20 hours pupil support.
- Evaluate the taught/supported lessons.
- Overall evaluation of pupil's and their own professional progress for each lesson.
- Work with the delegated mentor to improve practical teaching skills in order to meet the criteria on the lesson observation proforma.
- Include a critical summary of the TP reflecting on pupil progress and the TA's own professional progress.
Course Attendance Requirements
For Units 1 and 2 a minimum of 70% attendance is required. Unit 3:100% attendance for all agreed meetings with mentor.
A course handbook will be provided for all students giving further details of the course content and its requirements for successful completion.
All participants on the course will register as part-time students at MMU and will have access to all computer facilities including the library.
Any further enquiries can be made to course leaders Dominic Griffiths or Amanda Edwards on 0161 342 3622 or e-mail