Dyslexia Canada Spotlight
Across Canada educators and researchers are working together with the common goal of ensuring that every child can realize their right to read. Many schools have begun to implement early screening, evidence-informed classroom instruction, and early intervention. Educators in these schools say that the results of these changes have been transformative, both for students and teachers. Many more are curious about these practices but are unsure of what these changes look like in the classroom or how to get started. In this ongoing series, we share the stories of Canadian educators and researchers who are implementing these important changes. They will discuss both the challenges they have faced and the solutions that have allowed them to move forward and improve outcomes and equity for students. We hope that this series will encourage a national dialogue about why implementing practices that are aligned with the science of reading is a social justice and equity issue.
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Episodes
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
School Psychologist Lauren Clare Duggan currently works at the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education and has been the head psychologist for her region since 2015. Her team has been seeking ways to support teachers in integrating evidence-based instruction and intervention practices into their classrooms, even though it is not yet mandated by the province of Nova Scotia. Her steadfast dedication to inclusive education has earned her the 2024 Dyslexia Canada Educational Excellence Award.
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Melanie Brethour, the founder of the Quebec chapter of Decoding Dyslexia and a teacher in the Riverside School Board on the south shore of Montreal, is entering her 20th year of teaching. However, her understanding of dyslexia was limited until her son entered kindergarten and began experiencing difficulties. It wasn't until he was 9 years old that he received a diagnosis, which motivated her to join the fight against dyslexia. Her steadfast dedication to inclusive education has earned her the 2024 Dyslexia Canada Educational Excellence Award.
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
As Superintendent of the Fort Vermilion School Division, Mike McMann has dedicated his efforts to refining the educational system to ensure no child grapples with reading difficulties. His steadfast dedication to inclusive education has earned him the 2024 Dyslexia Canada Educational Excellence Award.
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
The Cowichan Valley School District in British Columbia has been actively implementing evidence-based reading instruction, despite it not being a provincial requirement. Their commitment to inclusive education has garnered them the 2024 Dyslexia Canada Educational Excellence Award.
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Recipient of the 2024 Dyslexia Canada Educational Excellence Award, Saskatoon Public Schools has a strategic plan prioritizing academic excellence, evidence-based practice, equity, and anti-racist, anti-oppressive principles. In this episode, we speak with superintendents Nicola Bishop-Yong and Trish Reeve.
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
The Literacy team at the Near North District School Board (NNNSB) recognized the need for systemic changes to improve outcomes for children with dyslexia and reading difficulties. Starting in 2019, they proactively began implementing evidence-based reading instructions and screening processes, well ahead of the provincial mandate in Ontario. Their forward-thinking approach and dedication have set a precedent for other school boards across the province. In recognition of their successful efforts, the NNNSB Literacy team has been honoured with the 2024 Dyslexia Canada Educational Excellence Awards.
Friday Dec 09, 2022
Friday Dec 09, 2022
Andrew Francis, Principal, of New Glasgow Academy in Nova Scotia, and members of his school team will discuss their initiative to improve student outcomes by creating a culture shift within their school. They will share their strategies, challenges and lessons learned. This is a must-watch episode for principals!
Friday Dec 09, 2022
Friday Dec 09, 2022
A conversation among three experienced educators and teacher educators, sharing their varied perspectives and their work as a literacy improvement team in both provincial and First Nation school contexts. Featuring Dr. Julia O’Sullivan, Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Steven Styers Principal of Hillside Elementary at Kettle at Stony Point First Nation, and Vaughan Stoyka an educator with over 40 years of experience in special education, second language acquisition, teacher training, school improvement, and curriculum development.
Friday Dec 09, 2022
Friday Dec 09, 2022
Alberta has recently rolled out a new language curriculum and universal screening program. Dr. George Georgiou, of the University of Alberta and Mike McMann, Superintendent of the Fort Vermilion School Division, discuss their experiences implementing these changes. They will discuss the challenges they have faced and the solutions that have been effective in improving outcomes for Alberta students.