Education event aims to upskill teachers

Teachers and Support for Learning specialists are being invited to sign up for a conference that will share ways in which they can act as positive agents for change in Scottish classrooms.

Dyslexia Scotland will host the Dyslexia:Classroom Changemakers conference in Glasgow at the Strathclyde Technology and Innovation Centre on Saturday 2 November.

The event will bring together experts and thought leaders in inclusive practice for dyslexic and neurodivergent learners. 

Keynote speaker Judy Hornigold, Independent Education Consultant will address delegates about dyscalculia and maths anxiety, 

Workshops will be held on how teachers can spot dyslexia, assistive technology, practical support strategies in the classroom, visual issues and morphological awareness.

Education Scotland will also speak about recommended best practice and resources teachers should be using with dyslexic learners.

The full-day event will also include a marketplace with companies exhibiting their latest books, assistive technology, resources and services that can help teachers to provide the best learning experiences for children and young people with dyslexia.

Among the organisations represented at the event will be CALL Scotland,Glasgow Dyslexia Support Service and the Addressing Dyslexia Toolkit.

Alumni of the GTC Scotland-accredited Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice programme will display findings from dyslexia action research projects undertaken in Scottish schools this year.

Around one in ten learners in Scottish schools are dyslexic. Figures from the latest Scottish Government Pupil Census Report indicate that less than 40% of the estimated 70,500 school-aged dyslexic children and young people are receiving support for their dyslexia.

Chief Executive of Dyslexia Scotland Cathy Magee said, “Dyslexia Scotland is committed to closing the attainment gap between young dyslexic people and their peers, to ensure that they have every chance to reach their educational outcomes, have happy and fulfilling school days and reach their true potential. We can only achieve this by activating teachers as changemakers and instilling them with the professional courage to make a real difference.”

National Development Officer for Dyslexia Scotland Lena Gillies said, “We’re so encouraged by the passion and determination that teachers show for helping their dyslexic pupils to do well. We’re delighted to be able to host an exciting professional learning event that will equip them with the tools to do so.”Bookings are now open for the 2024 Dyslexia Scotland Education Conference.