the international diploma in dyslexia and literacy …...the dyslexia action international diploma...

Dyslexia Action Training and Professional Development, Park House, Wick Road, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0HH

Tel:+44(0) 1784 222300 training.dyslexiaaction.org.uk Company No.1179975 Charity No. 268502

The International Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy

Parts A and B Awarded by Dyslexia Action

http://training.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/international

May 2011

http://training.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/international

Dyslexia Action International Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy

Table of Contents Mission Statement ___________________________________________________4

About this Brochure __________________________________________________5

International Diploma Online Courses ___________________________________6

Progression _____________________________________________________ 7

E-Learning ______________________________________________________ 8

Technical requirements ________________________________________ 9

Entry requirements_______________________________________________ 10

Application Information____________________________________________ 11

Disability Information _________________________________________ 12

Course Units _______________________________________________________13

Qualifications Guide _________________________________________________15

The Diplomas _______________________________________________ 16

Assessment ____________________________________________________ 18

Course Fees _______________________________________________________19

Financial Terms and Conditions_____________________________________ 20

Unit Specifications __________________________________________________23

DIPLOMA PART A: Unit 1: Introduction to Dyslexia [DAID01]__________ 23

DIPLOMA PART A: Unit 2: Multisensory Teaching and Learning [DAID02]___________________________________________________ 24

DIPLOMA PART A: Unit 3: Dyslexia: Supporting Individuals with Memory Weaknesses [DAID03]_________________________________ 25

DIPLOMA PART A: Unit 4: Supporting Learners with Dyslexia to Develop a Positive Self-Image [DAID04] __________________________ 26

DIPLOMA PART A: Unit 5: Dyslexia: An International Perspective [DAID05]___________________________________________________ 27

DIPLOMA PART B: Unit 1: Developing Reading Skills in Learners with Dyslexia in the Primary School [DAID06]__________________________ 28

DIPLOMA PART B: Unit 1: Developing Reading Skills in Learners with Dyslexia in the Secondary School [DAID07] _______________________ 29

DIPLOMA PART B: Unit 2: Developing Writing Skills in Learners with Dyslexia in the Primary School [DAID08]__________________________ 30

DIPLOMA PART B: Unit 2: Developing Writing Skills in Learners with Dyslexia in the Secondary School [DAID09] _______________________ 31

DIPLOMA PART B: Unit 3: Developing Spelling Skills in Learners with Dyslexia [DAID10] ___________________________________________ 32

DIPLOMA PART B OPTIONAL: Organising and Managing the Classroom to Support Learners with Dyslexia [DAID11] ______________ 33

© Dyslexia Action of 36


DIPLOMA PART B OPTIONAL: Developing Mathematical Skills in Learners with Dyslexia [DAID12] ________________________________ 34

DIPLOMA PART B OPTIONAL: Specific Learning Difficulties: Understanding Co-occurrence [DAID13] __________________________ 35

DIPLOMA PART B OPTIONAL: Supporting Study Skills in Learners with Dyslexia [DAID14]________________________________________ 36



Mission Statement "Our vision is a world where barriers to learning, employment and personal fulfilment have been removed for people with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties".

About Dyslexia Action

We are a national charity that through education improves the lives of people with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties. With over 30 years of experience, Dyslexia Action is the UK's leading charity in this area, providing a range of services and support for both children and adults including assessments (testing), teaching and training and the development and distribution of teaching and learning materials. Dyslexia Action conducts major research in the field of dyslexia where our tried and tested methodologies are widely accepted nationally and internationally. Our vision is that:

We are passionate and professional We are ambitious for people with dyslexia and with learning difficulties We care about quality services We respect individual differences

About Dyslexia Action Training and Professional Development

We provide training programmes for specialist teachers and other professionals. These include Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses, postgraduate programmes and awareness raising courses and webinars.



About this Brochure Disclaimer

This document is subject to regular revision and replaces any earlier version produced by Dyslexia Action. Whereas every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this document Dyslexia Action Training and Professional Development is unable to provide any warranty concerning the accuracy or completeness of any information contained herein and in the associated web pages. Dyslexia Action reserves the right to make changes to the information given. Applicants will receive additional, current information during the admissions process and on joining their chosen course.

Dyslexia Action Training and Professional Development assumes no responsibility or liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred as a result of any use or reliance upon the information and material contained within its publications or downloaded from its website.

Accessibility

If you would like to receive a copy of this document in large print or in another format, please contact Dyslexia Action Training and Professional Development directly for assistance.

Explanation of Terms

Candidate – The person applying for a course

Participant – The person who is studying the course

Learner – The pupil / student that the course participant does any practical work with

Copyright

All rights reserved. All information and material contained within this document and on the website it is accessed from, is copyright and the copyright belongs to Dyslexia Action.

If you wish to apply for permission to use any materials found within the Dyslexia Action Training and Professional Development website, please contact Dyslexia Action at the address given in the materials or on the website.



International Diploma Online Courses The Dyslexia Action International Diploma online courses have been developed specifically for Classroom Teachers and Teaching Assistants working in the primary (age 4-11) and secondary or high school education (age 11-18) fields. Adults who are currently employed in specialist support may also apply. The International Diploma courses are also suitable for tutors currently working in post secondary education (age 16-18) known in the UK as further education

The International Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy is a level 4 qualification for international participants. You are considered to be an international applicant if you are not a citizen or a permanent resident of the United Kingdom. The Diploma is split into two courses; Part A and Part B. Part A involves 3-4 months of study and then Part B takes another 4 months.

Candidates who complete the course to a satisfactory standard will receive a Course Certificate and a transcript listing the Units studied.

Course Registration

Participants will register for the ‘International Diploma, Part A’ course and should complete the programme normally within about 3-4 months. A Registration and Certification Fee is included within the course fee and is paid in advance.



Progression The Dyslexia Action International Diploma Programme has been designed to build a progression pathway at Level 4.

The Diploma, Part A is the first part of a 3 part programme, culminating in the International Teaching Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy.

Participants can opt to study:

The International Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy, Part A only or

The International Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy, Parts A and B or Note: Part A of the International Diploma Course must be passed for participants to go on to study Part B

The International Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy, Parts A and B plus the International Teaching Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy. Note: If participants wish to progress on to the International Teaching Diploma, they must pass both International Diploma courses, Parts A and B.



E-Learning What is e-learning

Attending courses online (e-learning) gives participants the flexibility to organise their time to fit around their professional and personal commitments. However, e-learning also provides an opportunity to make more of the study time and achieve deeper learning. Online learning saves the time and expense of travel and classroom attendance and offers flexible participation in the course programmes.

Online learning also allows course participants to become part of a community focused on the topic at hand. This often proves to be more effective than time spent in groups in a classroom environment.

E-learning does not generally require special technical expertise. No greater IT skill is required than that needed to browse the web, watch clips on YouTube or send an email with an attachment. Dyslexia Action provides written and audio-visual guides to help with technical aspects of the course. An IT support helpdesk is also available.

The greatest challenge of e-learning is finding the right physical and mental space. Going to a physical space like the classroom makes it clear that you are not available for other commitments. This may not always be the case at home or at work. It is therefore important to assiduously dedicate time and space to study just as if attending a course in a physical location.

How does e-learning work?

Dyslexia Action uses a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Moodle, which is also used by many international and UK colleges and universities including the University of London and the Open University.

The learning environment consists of web pages that represent courses, modules or units. Each Unit of the course is divided into topics where you will find links to readings, audio/video recordings of lectures and links to external reading resource

Most courses also contain discussion forums where you can discuss your readings or work on assignments with other course participants and your tutor. Some topics include interactive quizzes or space where you can submit assignments for marking by a tutor.

Students are given a personal account through which to access the learning environment and enrol in individual courses, units or module



Technical requirements

Personal Computer Requirements

Any computer that can run office applications such as Word or PowerPoint and access rich content websites such as YouTube or the BBC iPlayer is sufficient to access all the course resources. No special software or hardware purchases are necessary. However participants are recommended to have access to the following:

A printer and scanner.

A memory stick for some courses which include the submission of lessons

Basic video recording equipment which may also be required for some of the courses

Web Browser

It is strongly recommended that you use Firefox as your web browser. This is free to download (http://firefox.com ). Dyslexia Action cannot assist with problems encountered if you are using Internet Explorer 6 which is widely recognised as obsolete and insecure (see http://ie6countdown.com/ ). If your organisation does not have Firefox, you can download its portable version from http://portableapps.com/apps/internet/firefox_portable. You can then run it from a USB key or just a folder on any computer.

Broadband connection

A broadband connection with a liberal bandwidth usage policy (5GB) is highly recommended. The basic course content can be accessed via mobile broadband or even dialup but the learning experience is likely to be diminished and video/audio content may not be accessible at all.


http://firefox.com/

http://ie6countdown.com/

http://portableapps.com/apps/internet/firefox_portable


Entry requirements Applicants should:

Be teachers, teaching assistants or support tutors, currently working in an educational environment outside the UK. Please note: You are considered to be eligible if you are currently residing overseas and will be working in an international school setting. Participants will not normally be citizens or permanent residents of the United Kingdom.

Have a good general education and should normally be qualified to level 3 on the UK qualifications framework.1

Have a minimum English language ability level such as Cambridge 1st Certificate Grade B (see http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/general-english/fce.html ), TOEFL 550 points (see http://www.ets.org/toefl/ )or IELTS 5.5 (see http://www.ielts.org/default.aspx )

Working with your learner in school or college

Participants will be working with school or college learners on practical elements of the course in an international school setting. English must be the language the learners predominantly use in school/college to access the curriculum. Learners who are struggling with English as an additional language will not be suitable for the practical elements of the courses.

Criminal record checks: children and young people

Dyslexia Action assumes that as course participants will already be working with children or young people, they will have met the necessary local police or government criminal record checks concerning work with children and/or young people in school/college settings. Applicants for the Dyslexia Action International Dyslexia and Literacy programme should have suitable written confirmation /permission as required by their own country’s laws. We reserve the right to request this information from you or to terminate a programme where we feel it is not in the interests of the learner to continue. Dyslexia Action Training and Professional Development will not assume responsibility nor will accept liability incurred as a result of any participant or learner being engaged in this programme.

PLEASE NOTE: Parental awareness and training courses

The CPD programmes described in this brochure are designed specifically for teachers and support staff working in school and college environments. As such, these courses are not suitable for parents wishing to either develop their awareness on dyslexia or to support their own children who have dyslexia. A programme for parents is currently under development. If you are interested in receiving further information regarding the parents’ course, please go to Register Interest on the Training website for further details at: https://training.dyslexiaaction.org.uk

1 http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/files/Regulatory_arrangements_QCF_August08.pdf ,p47


http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/general-english/fce.html

http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/general-english/fce.html

http://www.ets.org/toefl/

http://www.ielts.org/default.aspx

https://training.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/

http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/files/Regulatory_arrangements_QCF_August08.pdf


Application Information Course Dates 2011 / 2012

There are intakes three times a year in January, May and September for all parts of the International Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy.

International Diploma, Part A: Commences May 2011, September 2011, January 2012 and May 2012.

International Diploma, Part B: Commences September 2011, January 2012 and May 2012.

International Teaching Diploma: Commences January 2012, May 2012.

Dates will be made available for the academic year 2012 / 2013 later in the year.

Applying for the International Diploma Course, Part A

Please note that it is only possible to submit applications via the website.

You will be required to set up an account during the registration for your first course with Dyslexia Action Training and Professional Development. Please note the login details with care since you will need them to apply for additional courses or modify your contact details. (You can also retrieve a forgotten password or username later by asking to have them sent to the email address you registered with us).

To apply please follow the instructions below:

1. Navigate to the appropriate course page and click on the application link

2. Choose the fee and the appropriate payment method

3. Complete the registration process including payment (fees, which include the registration and certification fee, must be paid in full before the start of the course)

The same procedure will apply for the International Diploma Part B and the International Teaching Diploma.

Progression Route

Participants must successfully complete the ‘International Diploma Part A’ Course to apply for the ‘International Diploma Part B’ Course. Candidates can choose to take a break between studying Parts A and B but should normally study Part B within 2 years of successfully completing Part A.

Candidates must successfully complete the International Diploma Part A and B to apply to study the International Teaching Diploma. Candidates should normally start the International Teaching Diploma within 2 years of passing Part B. After 2 years, candidates may be able to continue on the programme or use the credits towards other Dyslexia Action qualifications. This will be dependant on the decision of the Programme Director.

Due to the Dyslexia Action International Diploma being a completely new programme, we are unable to accept accreditation of prior learning from other awards or programmes.



Disability Information The UK Disability Equality Duty (DED 2006) legislation requires organisations such as training providers, colleges and universities to be proactive in ensuring that people with disabilities are treated fairly. To help us fulfil this duty we ask anyone applying for a course with Dyslexia Action who has a disability to let us know. We need to talk to you to clarify what adjustments you will be entitled to. We also encourage students with disabilities to give us feedback on all stages of the course so that we can anticipate other applicants’ requirements better in the future.

If you would like to talk to the Training Department Disability Advisor before you apply for a place on a course or once you have applied then please email: [email protected] or contact us by telephone on +44 (0)1784 222304 and we can refer your enquiry to the Disability Advisor.


mailto:[email protected]


Course Units The International Diploma, Part A

The International Diploma, Part A begins with an introductory week to become familiar with using Moodle and studying online. There are then five Mandatory Units which are as follows:

1. DAID01 Introduction to Dyslexia

2. DAID02 Multisensory Teaching and Learning

3. DAID03 Dyslexia: Supporting Individuals with Memory Weaknesses

4. DAID04 Supporting Learners with Dyslexia to Develop a Positive Self-Image

5. DAID05 Dyslexia: An International Perspective

If participants successfully complete all the assignments in Part A they can then apply to study for the International Diploma Course, Part B.

The International Diploma, Part B

The International Diploma, Part B consists of three Mandatory Units and two Optional Units.

Mandatory Units

Candidates should choose one of the pathways either for primary specialists (4 – 11) or for secondary specialists (11 – 18).

Select either the Primary Pathway or the Secondary Pathway:

Primary Pathway Mandatory Units

1. Developing Reading Skills in Learners with Dyslexia in the Primary School (DAID06)

2. Developing Writing Skills in Learners with Dyslexia in the Primary School (DAID08)

3. Developing Spelling Skills in Learners with Dyslexia (DAID10)

Secondary Pathway Mandatory Units

1. Developing Reading Skills in Learners with Dyslexia in the Secondary School

(DAID07)

2. Developing Writing Skills in Learners with Dyslexia in the Secondary School

(DAID09)

3. Developing Spelling Skills in Learners with Dyslexia (DAID10)

Optional Units for both pathways

Participants must choose two Optional Units from the following:

DAID11 Organising and Managing the Classroom to Support Learners with Dyslexia



DAID12 Developing Mathematical Skills in Learners with Dyslexia

DAID13 Specific Learning Difficulties: Understanding Co-occurrence

DAID14 Supporting Study Skills in Learners with Dyslexia

Participants who successfully complete the assignments for the International Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy Parts A and B can then apply to study for the International Teaching Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy. This course will enable participants to offer practical tutoring support and intervention to learners with dyslexia.

The International Teaching Diploma

The International Teaching Diploma consists of three Mandatory Units

1. DAIT01 Structure of Language

2. DAIT02 Structured Literacy Programme

3. DAIT03 Applying Theory to Practice via a Structured Literacy Programme

The International Teaching Diploma Course is run over a period of 6-7 months and includes a teaching practice of a minimum of 10 weekly, one hour lessons. The May course includes a summer break. Participants will study from May to June/July and then again from September to December/January.



Qualifications Guide Introduction

The International Diploma courses are designed to strengthen the expertise and confidence of international teachers and teaching assistants in primary and secondary school education in order to ensure the progress and achievement of children with special educational needs. The Diploma courses aim to raise awareness of specific learning difficulties, improve the school and classroom environment and change teaching approaches. This will help teachers and teaching assistants to develop inclusive practice and develop more strategic approaches to meet the needs of individual learners.

Following the International Diploma and Teaching Diploma progression pathway will equip participants with the skills to provide practical teaching. This Teaching Diploma provides the underpinning methodology for using multisensory methods and teaching practice with a learner.

Qualifications at Level 4

The Dyslexia Action CPD units and qualifications equate to Level 4 on the UK Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). The Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in the UK defines Level 4 as follows:

“Achievement at Level 4 reflects the ability to identify and use relevant understanding, methods and skills to address problems that are well defined but complex and non-routine. It includes taking responsibility for overall courses of action as well as exercising autonomy and judgement within fairly broad parameters. It also reflects understanding of different perspectives or approaches within an area of study or work.”2

Mandatory and Optional Units

Mandatory units are the units that must be achieved in order for a qualification to be awarded. Optional units are those that a participant may choose from in order to complete the required number of units for the qualification.

Hours of learning time

Learning time is defined as the time taken by participants at the level of the unit, on average, to complete the learning outcomes of the unit to the standard determined by the assessment criteria.3

2 Ofqual: Regulatory Arrangements for the Qualifications and Credit Framework August 2008 3 Ofqual: Regulatory Arrangements for the Qualifications and Credit Framework August 2008; p12



The Diplomas International Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy, Part A

Mandatory Units

All units must be passed.

Participants must successfully complete all Part A assignments to study for the International Diploma, Part B

Hours of Learning Time

DAID01 Introduction to Dyslexia 20

DAID02 Multisensory Teaching and Learning 30

DAID03 Dyslexia: Supporting Individuals with Memory Weaknesses

20

DAID04 Supporting Learners with Dyslexia to Develop a Positive Self-Image

20

DAID05 Dyslexia: An International Perspective 20

Total 110

International Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy, Part B (Primary Pathway)

Mandatory Units


Participants must successfully complete all Part B assignments to study for the International Teaching Diploma.


DAID06 Developing Reading Skills in Learners with Dyslexia in the Primary School

20

DAID08 Developing Writing Skills in Learners with Dyslexia in the Primary School

20

DAID10

Developing Spelling Skills in Learners with Dyslexia 20

Optional Units Select TWO from the following units:


30


30


30

DAID14 Supporting Study Skills in Learners with Dyslexia 30

Total 120



International Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy, Part B (Secondary Pathway)

Mandatory Units


Participants must successfully complete all Part B assignments to study for the International Teaching Diploma.


DAID07

Developing Reading Skills in Learners with Dyslexia in the Secondary School

20

DAID09 Developing Writing Skills in Learners with Dyslexia in the Secondary School

20

DAID10

Developing Spelling Skills in Learners with Dyslexia 20

Optional Units Select TWO from the following units:


30


30


30

DAID14 Supporting Study Skills in Learners with Dyslexia 30

Total 120

International Teaching Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy

Mandatory Units

All units must be passed. Hours of Learning Time

DAIT01 Structure of Language 30

DAIT02 Structured Literacy Programme 50

DAIT03 Applying Theory to Practice via a Structured Literacy Programme

50

Total 130



Assessment Assessment is continuous and will include written assignments, practical activities and contribution to Moodle forums. Participants will be supported by a tutor who is an experienced practitioner in the field of dyslexia. Assignments will be submitted to the tutor on a regular basis.

Approximate study time is 10 hours per week for the duration of the International Diploma Courses, Parts A and B, based on the average participant. This includes time spent with learners.

The International Teaching Diploma requires between 5 and 10 hours of study per week.

There are no examinations.



Course Fees 1. Candidate Registration and Certification Fee

A Candidate Registration and Certification Fee of £65 must be paid to Dyslexia Action to register for each International Course. This fee is included within the course fee, is payable on application and is non-refundable except as indicated in the Financial Terms and Conditions below. It provides for the administrative registration of candidates and for the required certificate(s) and transcript for those completing a full qualification.

2. International Diploma Course Fees

The full course fee must be paid in full and in advance of the course start date. If, on application, only the Registration and Certification Fee of £65 is paid, the balance of the course fee is to be paid in advance before the course will be made available. The Financial Terms and Conditions are shown below. The full course fees are:

Course Name Course Fee

International Diploma, Part A

£875

International Diploma, Part B

£875

International Teaching Diploma

£1050

Additional Costs

Postage Fees Participants will have to pay a fee to cover the postage of certificates and a course transcript on completion of each course. Participants will be notified of this fee once they register.

Resources The International Teaching Diploma course participant will need a set of wooden letters . Resources can be purchased from the Dyslexia Action Shop at: http://store.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/. N.B. These resources are not required for the International Diploma Parts A and B.


http://store.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/


Financial Terms and Conditions 1 Please read this information carefully.

It is the responsibility of all candidates to ensure that the terms and conditions for the course they enrol on are followed and that Dyslexia Action receives payment as instructed. Failure to pay fees in full could result in refusal of a course place or an award or qualification.

2 Programme Registration

In order to process applications, a candidate registration and certification fee is payable in advance. This fee is included within the course fee. Please note that we are unable to process applications without receiving this fee in advance and that it is non-refundable assuming you are offered a place on the course. All applications are reviewed by the Programme Manager. If, having reviewed an application, we do not offer a place, a full refund will be made minus a £25 administration fee.

Following satisfactory completion of the admissions process, a letter will be emailed with confirmation of a place on the course together with an invoice. Where payment is being made by a sponsor, the invoice will be emailed directly to the sponsor with a copy of the invoice to the candidate. Payment should be made, in full, by return to secure a place on the course and no later than 30 days before the start of the course (NB For the May 2011 course only, the balance must be paid by 29th April)

3. Candidate Responsibility

Once a candidate has accepted a place on a Dyslexia Action training programme they are responsible for ensuring the payment of all fees before the start of the course, even if the fees are being paid by a sponsor or other third party.

4. Payment Information

4.1 Please quote the invoice number on all correspondence and payment

4.2 All payments must be made in Pounds Sterling (GBP).

4.3 Please note that the candidate/funding organisation is liable for all bank charges, including currency transfer charges, if sending money by BACS or from overseas.

5. Payment Methods

5.1 Payments may be made by a single credit or debit card payment, cheque payment or bank transfer.

5.2 Dyslexia Action accepts VISA, MASTERCARD or ACCESS only. We are not able to accept any other forms of credit card.

6. Cancellation

6.1 Dyslexia Action Training and Professional Development reserves the right to cancel any programme where candidate numbers are insufficient to warrant the course taking place. In this case candidates will be offered places on alternative programmes or a full refund of fees will be made.

6.2 Candidate cancellations must be made in writing by email or by post, we are unable to accept notification of cancellations by telephone.



6.3 The Candidate Registration and Certification Fee cannot be returned, once the application form has been approved by Dyslexia Action Training and Professional Development, if a candidate subsequently cancels their place.

6.4 Candidates who wish to cancel 10 working days or more before the start date of the first unit will not be liable for course fees. Where fees have been paid in advance, these will be refunded in full, minus the Registration and Certification Fee. However all candidates will be encouraged to defer their entry to a later date. See Section 7 below.

6.4.1 Candidates who cancel 9 working days or less before the course start date will be liable for a charge of £200 which includes the Registration and Certification Fee. However all candidates will be encouraged to defer their entry to a later date. See Section 7 below.

Table of Cancellation Charges

Cancellation Made Fee Payable

10 working days or more before the start of the course

£65

9 working days or less before the start of the course

£200

7. Deferral prior to starting a course

7.1 Deferral is defined as not starting the course at the time expected but starting at a later date.

Should a candidate wish to defer their place on a Course for which they have been accepted, to a later start date then Dyslexia Action must be informed in writing at least 10 working days before the start of the course. If the deferral request is made 9 days or less before the course start date, then Dyslexia Action reserves the right to charge a fee.

7.2 Fees or the balance of fees will normally be held over until the next course date selected. Please note that any course fee increases will be payable when restarting a course. The candidate will be required to re-register for the selected course date and should contact the Admissions Office directly.

8. Withdrawal

8.1 Withdrawal is defined as a candidate leaving a course which they have started before the programme is completed.

8.2 Candidates who wish to “withdraw” before a course has started should refer to the Cancellation Rules above.



8.3 Withdrawal once a course has started

8.3.1 International Diploma Courses Part A and B

Withdrawal Made or Failure to successfully complete

Fee Refundable

Anytime during the first unit £610

Anytime during the second unit £410

After the second unit No refund

8.3.2 International Teaching Diploma

Withdrawal Made or Failure to successfully complete

Fee Refundable

Anytime during the first unit £785

Anytime during the second unit £585

After the third unit No refund

8.4 Re-starting a programme after withdrawal If you withdraw from the course, through personal circumstances, and you have already successfully completed some Units, you will be allowed to rejoin on a subsequent programme but will need to pay course fees again. A proportional discount will be offered depending on the number of units already completed. Please contact the Course Administrator for details.

9. Contact Details

For further help and advice on our Professional Development programmes and short courses please contact:

Dyslexia Action Training and Professional Development Park House, Wick Road Egham, Surrey TW20 0HH Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)1784 222304 Fax: +44 (0)1784 772512


mailto:[email protected]


Unit Specifications

DIPLOMA PART A: Unit 1: Introduction to Dyslexia [DAID01]

Unit Reference Number:

DAID01

Unit Level: Level 4 Learning Time: 20 hours of online learning

Course Aims

This unit provides the knowledge and understanding of the effects of dyslexia on children and young people and examines the possible causes. It provides a good foundation to progress onto the other units in this programme

Course Content

At the end of this unit the participant will:

Understand how dyslexia affects children and young people.

Understand how children acquire the skill of reading.

Understand how phonological processing can affect children and young people with dyslexia.

Understand how difficulties with memory can affect the literacy skills of children and young people with dyslexia.

Understand the possible underlying causes of dyslexia.

Course Delivery

This course is delivered through 20 hours of online learning via our Moodle Virtual Learning Environment.



DIPLOMA PART A: Unit 2: Multisensory Teaching and Learning [DAID02]

Unit Reference Number: DAID02

Unit Level: Level 4

Learning Time: 30 hours of online learning

Course Aims

This unit explores the use of multisensory methods and resources across the curriculum. It provides a good foundation to progress onto the other units in this programme

Course Content


Understand the principles of multisensory teaching and learning.

Be able to integrate different sensory experiences to enhance learning.

Be able to support learners in using multisensory techniques to record their learning.

Be able to put together a set of multisensory resources for their own setting.

Be able to apply the principles of multisensory learning in a structured and cumulative way.

Course Delivery




International Diploma, Part A Unit 3: Dyslexia: Supporting Individuals with Memory Weaknesses [DAID03]


Unit Level: Level 4


Who is the course for: Classroom teachers and Teaching Assistants in Primary and Secondary Education

Course Aims

This unit gives an overview of some of the different aspects of our memory systems. Learners with dyslexia frequently experience difficulties with working memory, especially verbal working memory. This unit will enable teaching staff to recognise behaviours that may indicate problems in this area. The relationship between attention, working memory and comprehension will be explored in order to develop staff’s understanding of the ways in which learners with dyslexia need to be supported in classroom settings.

Course Content


1. Understand some of the different aspects of memory

2. Understand the term “cognitive profile” and be able to link classroom performance to a learner’s profile.

3. Understand the barriers that working memory weaknesses can create within learning environments.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of learning differences and know how to organise a more effective and inclusive learning environment.

Course Delivery




DIPLOMA PART A: Unit 4: Supporting Learners with Dyslexia to Develop a Positive Self-Image [DAID04]


Unit Level: Level 4


Unit Aims

This unit develops the knowledge, skills and understanding to support learners with dyslexia to address difficulties with self-esteem and motivation. It requires demonstration of strategies to improve confidence as well as supporting learners to develop, implement and evaluate an action plan based on an understanding of preferred learning style

Course Content


Understand the importance of supporting the self-esteem and motivation of learners with dyslexia.

Be able to support learners with dyslexia to understand their self-esteem issues.

Be able to support learners with dyslexia to develop an action plan.

Course Delivery




DIPLOMA PART A: Unit 5: Dyslexia: An International Perspective [DAID05]


Unit Level: Level 4


Unit Aims

This unit looks at how dyslexia manifests itself in languages around the world and how teaching learners with dyslexia a second language is aided by explicit, structured tuition and specialist knowledge of the development of spelling, reading and morphology. The examination of dyslexia in several languages will give teachers and teaching assistants a greater understanding of the sorts of difficulties a learner might encounter in their native language and how these may or may not transfer to a second language. The unit also aims to provide a platform for teaching professionals to reflect upon their experiences and exchange ideas as well as a means to collect invaluable insights from practitioners located all over the world.

Course Content


Understand the role that deep orthography plays in the development of reading and writing skills in learners with dyslexia.

Appreciate the need for explicit, structured, multisensory tuition in language 1 and language 2 for learners with dyslexia.

Appreciate how delayed development of reading and spelling in language 1 may or may not transfer to language 2.

Gain a deeper understanding of dyslexia via the examination of how it manifests in alphabetic, syllabic and logographic languages around the world.

Course Award

On successful completion of the International Diploma, Part A, participants will receive a Dyslexia Action International Diploma, Part A Certificate and an academic transcript detailing the Units passed.

Course Delivery




DIPLOMA PART B: Unit 1: Developing Reading Skills in Learners with Dyslexia in the Primary School [DAID06] Participants study the Primary or Secondary School Unit.


Unit Level: Level 4


Unit Aims

This unit is designed to increase understanding of the processes involved in developing reading skills and to provide practical ideas and strategies for use in the primary classroom.

Course Content


Understand the impact of dyslexia on the acquisition of reading skills.

Be able to identify reading behaviours.

Be able to provide support for developing some basic and higher reading skills.

Course Delivery




DIPLOMA PART B: Unit 1: Developing Reading Skills in Learners with Dyslexia in the Secondary School [DAID07] Participants study the Primary or Secondary School Unit.


Unit Level: Level 4


Unit Aims

This unit is designed to increase understanding of the processes involved in developing reading skills and to provide practical ideas and strategies for use in the secondary classroom.

Course Content


Understand the impact of dyslexia on the acquisition of reading skills.

Be able to identify reading behaviours.

Be able to provide support for developing some basic and higher reading skills.

Course Delivery




DIPLOMA PART B: Unit 2: Developing Writing Skills in Learners with Dyslexia in the Primary School [DAID08] Participants study the Primary or Secondary School Unit.


Unit Level: Level 4


Unit Aims

This unit helps teachers and teaching assistants understand the processes involved in developing writing skills and why learners with dyslexia may experience difficulties. It explores strategies, techniques and activities that teaching staff can employ to support learners in the primary classroom.

Course Content


Be able to make an analysis of learners’ writing skills.

Be able to support learners to improve their handwriting.

Be able to provide some support for developing writing and extended writing skills.

Course Delivery




DIPLOMA PART B: Unit 2: Developing Writing Skills in Learners with Dyslexia in the Secondary School [DAID09] Participants study the Primary or Secondary School Unit.


Unit Level: Level 4


Unit Aims

This unit helps teachers and teaching assistants understand the processes involved in developing writing skills and why learners with dyslexia may experience difficulties. It explores strategies, techniques and activities that teaching staff can employ to support learners in the secondary classroom.

Course Content


Be able to make an analysis of learners’ writing skills.

Be able to support learners to improve their handwriting.

Be able to provide some support for developing writing and extended writing skills.

Course Delivery




DIPLOMA PART B: Unit 3: Developing Spelling Skills in Learners with Dyslexia [DAID10]


Unit Level: Level 4


Unit Aims

This unit analyses the complexities of spelling in English and how the way we analyse speech during the spelling process is influenced by the spelling knowledge we have. Understanding the role that these factors play in the spelling representations of learners with dyslexia will enable teachers and teaching assistants to target support more effectively. The unit will demonstrate the importance of structured, multisensory, sequential and cumulative tuition and will highlight the key role of vowels in most remediation programmes. The need to emphasise morphology is also explored and this will enable both teachers and teaching assistants to offer new approaches to aid the development of more accurate spelling skills.

Course Content


Understand the complexities of spelling in English because of its opaque orthography.

Understand that how we analyse speech is influenced by the spelling knowledge we have.

Be able to analyse spelling representations and understand the processes that influence them (assimilation, influence of unvoiced consonants in blends etc)

Appreciate the importance of structured, multisensory, sequential and cumulative provision and the pivotal role of vowels in most remediation programs.

Understand the importance of assisting learners with dyslexia to discover morphology: "how words work".

Course Delivery




DIPLOMA PART B OPTIONAL: Organising and Managing the Classroom to Support Learners with Dyslexia [DAID11]


Unit Level: Level 5


Unit Aims

Learners with dyslexia often need adjustments to be made to the content and delivery of lessons so that barriers to learning can be removed. Many learners with dyslexia also find personal organisation challenging and need support to develop their own strategies to promote independence. This unit will help teaching staff to develop inclusive management and organisational strategies that will benefit all those who struggle with learning and learners with dyslexia in particular.

Course Content


Understand the impact of organisation and management on learners with dyslexia.

Be able to use management and organisational strategies to those with dyslexia.

Be able to support learners with dyslexia to develop skills in personal organisation.

Be able to review the effectiveness of classroom and organisational strategies in meeting the needs of learners with dyslexia.

Course Delivery




DIPLOMA PART B OPTIONAL: Developing Mathematical Skills in Learners with Dyslexia [DAID12]


Unit Level: Level 5


Course Aims

Many learners with dyslexia experience difficulties with mathematics as well as literacy. This unit covers the dyslexic profile and how this may impact on mathematical development. It supports teaching staff with expertise in teaching mathematics to adapt their classroom practice to better meet the needs of learners with dyslexia. It develops the knowledge, understanding and skills to support structured, cumulative, multisensory learning in the mathematics classroom.

Course Content


Understand the cognitive attributes necessary to mathematical understanding.

Understand the difficulties that learners with dyslexia may experience in developing mathematical skills.

Be able to apply the principles of structured multisensory teaching in mathematics.

Course Delivery




DIPLOMA PART B OPTIONAL: Specific Learning Difficulties: Understanding Co-occurrence [DAID13]


Unit Level: Level 4


Course Aims

This unit will explore the different cognitive and sensory difficulties that may occur alongside dyslexia. It will also investigate the consequential difficulties that may occur as a result of the primary difficulties related to dyslexia.

Course Content


Understand that some individuals with learning difficulties of a dyslexic nature may experience other, co-occurring difficulties4.

Understand the difficulties in cognitive or sensory processes that are related to motor co-ordination, concentration and attention.

Understand the consequential difficulties that may occur as a result of the primary difficulties and co-occurring difficulties assoicated with dyslexia.

Course Delivery


4 ‘Co-occurring difficulties may be seen in aspects of language, motor co-ordination, mental calculation, concentration and personal organisation, but these are not, by themselves, markers of dyslexia.’ (Rose, 2009. Rose J. (2009) Identifying and Teaching Children and Young People with Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties, DCSF




DIPLOMA PART B OPTIONAL: Supporting Study Skills in Learners with Dyslexia [DAID14]


Unit Level: Level 4


Course Aims

This unit will lead to an understanding of the importance of supporting learners with dyslexia to develop study skills and recognise the particular difficulties that learners in this group might experience in note taking, note making and revision. It requires those taking this unit to know, implement and evaluate a range of strategies that can help the learner with dyslexia to develop effective study skills based on their own preferred learning style

Course Content


Understand the difficulties that learners with dyslexia may experience in developing study skills.

Be able to support learners with dyslexia to develop study skills.

Be able to review the effectiveness of support for study skills.

Course Award

On successful completion of the International Diploma, Part B participants will receive a Dyslexia Action International Diploma, Part B Certificate and a transcript detailing the Units passed.

Course Delivery


the international diploma in dyslexia and literacy …...the dyslexia action international diploma...

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