“We must ensure that our educators are prepared to meet the needs of every student,” said State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman.

“These trainings were developed in partnership with national experts and those in the field that understand the needs of our students with dyslexia. I am proud of the work that went into making the training modules and am confident that they will equip educators with the tools that will lead to student success,” concluded Spearman.

Through the collaborative effort involving stakeholder organizations, the South Carolina Department of Education’s (SCDE) Offices of Special Education Services and Early Learning and Literacy are pleased to announce they have created a series of three web-based training modules for educators to complete. 

These modules address:

 

• Module one:   Dyslexia – What is it and What Do We Know about It? 
• Module Two:  How Do We Screen for Dyslexia and Other Reading Disorders?
• Module Three:  Evidence-Based Instruction for Students with Dyslexia.

The training modules were part of a Joint Resolution, signed by Governor Nikki Haley that charged SCDE to provide training on dyslexia and related reading disorders to all kindergarten through third grade literacy coaches and teachers prior to the 2016-17 school year.

While the intent of the Joint Resolution is to provide information specifically about serving students with dyslexia, the content regarding effective evidence-based practices and instruction will be useful to help all struggling readers.  These sound practices should be evident in all effective classroom reading instruction.

This cutting edge and easily accessible training is poised to become a national model, as other states are seeking resources and training to provide to their teachers. In addition, South Carolina is continuing to scale up its efforts to support all struggling readers, including those with dyslexia, in multiple initiatives including the South Carolina Read to Succeed Plan, and the South Carolina Systemic Improvement Plan to increase outcomes for students with disabilities.

The development of the training modules would not have been possible without the help of the following organizations:  Aiken Learning Lab, Camperdown Academy, Tutor Eau Claire, Clemson University, University of South Carolina, the South Carolina Association of School Psychologists, the South Carolina Council of Administrators of Special Education, Learning Disabilities of America, and the South Carolina Branch of the International Dyslexia Association.