Wellbeing

This week we investigate specific learning chalenges (reading, mathematics, writing)

What is it?

A learning disorder is a usually lifelong problem that affects someone’s ability to learn in one or more specific academic areas, such as reading, writing or Mathematics. They are sometimes referred to as learning difficulties.

In Australia, up to 1 in every 10 people has a learning disorder (sometimes referred to as a learning difficulty or learning disability). The most common ones are:

• dyslexia, which causes challenges with reading and writing. About 8 in 10 people with a learning disability have dyslexia
• dysgraphia, which impacts spelling and handwriting
• dyscalculia, a learning difficulty in maths
• dysphasia, impacting the ability to speak and understand others’ speech

A learning disorder is different from an intellectual disability, which affects every aspect of how the brain learns and understands. Learning disorders affect only a specific area of learning. A child’s difficulty in school does not always stem from a learning disorder. 

What are the signs?

Some common signs that someone has a learning disorder include:

• they find it very hard to spell
• they dislike reading
• they can understand and talk about things, but seem unable to write about them
• their handwriting is very messy
• they have trouble with rhyming or hearing sounds in words
• they find it hard to remember words, numbers, letters or instructions
• they dislike school or are not confident about their abilities at school
• as well as academic problems, they may have time management, organisation and social difficulties

Where should I go for more information?

Learning disabilities | healthdirect.

SPELD https://www.speldvic.org.au/ 

Karen Starkiss Dyslexia Support https://www.dyslexiasupportservices.com.au/index.html 

What do I need to do for assessment?

If you think your child might have a specific learning disorder, it is important to get them assessed and provide support as early as you can.

Formal assessment usually takes place once a child is eight years old. 

If the school has concerns, your class teacher will approach you. 

If you have wonderings, please come and see your class teacher.

Students need a Specific Learning Assessment to diagnose a learning disorder. For students where considerations may be around cognitive processing on a wider scale, recommendations are to complete a full cognitive assessment. Intake assessors will help you determine the best assessment based on individual need.

Assessment can be done through DET Student Support Services, however there are extensive wait lists.

There are a number of private providers who conduct assessments, speak to Kim Ancrum or Averil Gramaconi should you need a recommendation. 

What supports does BBPS have in place for students with learning difficulties?

*Established Individual Education Plans with goals specific to each student, and reviewed with their family on a termly basis. Class teachers will introduce an IEP if they feel it is needed.

*Small group intervention which ranges depending on grade level, and can include Tutor Learning Initiative led by Georgia Hellier, Literacy Groups facilitated by Averil Gramaconi, Leading Literacy Intervention facilitated by classroom teachers or Education Support Staff (integration aides).

*Modified classroom learning, such as use of assistive technologies (speech to text; adjusted writing materials; audio books)

*Explicit instruction as part of the whole class spelling / reading program - junior school.

*Direct Instruction Spelling Mastery program in the middle years - grade 3 and 4

*1:1 individualised intervention, such as Reading Recovery (grade 1/2) Toe by Toe (grade 3/4) or Word Wasp (Grade 5/6) phonics programs, Maths Plus One (Grade 1-4) - these interventions are mostly facilitated by either our Learning Support Teacher Averil Gramaconi or our trained Education Support Staff, all in communication with families. 

Disability Inclusion Survey (family survey) - An Invitation to families from the DET

Disability Inclusion is increasing support for students with disability to ensure every student at every ability thrives at school and in life.  Disability Inclusion is being rolled out to Victoria’s 1500+ Victorian government schools between 2021-2025, delivering:

1. A new strengths-based Disability Inclusion Profile
2. A tiered school funding model
3. Increased workforce capability to provide inclusive education

The Department have engaged Deloitte Access Economics to undertake an independent evaluation of Disability Inclusion.

As part of this evaluation, Deloitte is conducting a short online survey (no more than 15 minutes) of families in Victorian government schools implementing Disability Inclusion.

The survey aims to capture family awareness and understanding of Disability Inclusion, any adjustments made at a student-level and attitudes towards inclusion of students with disability more generally.

As part of this evaluation, Deloitte is surveying all families with children enrolled in Victorian government schools. This includes families who have children with disabilities and those who do not.

Please note, participation is entirely voluntary, and families are under no obligation to participate. If you wish to provide input, you can complete the survey here: family survey. We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate. If you would prefer an alternative way to share your experiences and perspectives (such as completion via phone) please email: diproject@deloitte.com.au.