Focus on teacher education

For those with dyslexia, trying to learn is a daily struggle many people do not understand.

To raise awareness and funds to help teachers gain a better understanding of the learning needs of students, Dyslexia Empowerment Week is running from October 16-22.

Buildings in every State in Australia have agreed to turn red for dyslexia, and a Red Letter Day competition is being run to give students and parents the opportunity to express their thoughts.

Language and Literacy Learning Centre Vikki Hipkin said the week was about raising awareness.

“We’re pushing for recognition and testing in kindergarten and pre-primary and acting on it then, not using the wait-to-fail model,” she said.

“We want research-proven teaching in schools, we want our teachers educated and evidence- based programs.

“Dyslexia is neurological, there is no cure. It’s hard work maintaining self-esteem.”

The City of Kwinana has also helped organise a movie night on Saturday, with all funds raised to go towards educating teachers in the Kwinana area in the best ways to support students with dyslexia.

City of Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams said the City was proud to support the movie night in Wellard for Dyslexia Empowerment Week.

“Dyslexia affects more people than you would think, yet it is not something we seem to talk about often,” she said.

“Events such as this are a great way to promote a wider understanding of common learning challenges.”

For details, visit dyslexiaem powermentweek.com.au.