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  Welcome to our newsletter

Things are very much on track for a highly successful workshop series in June when Neil MacKay arrives from the UK. Bookings are flowing in and excitement is building. Thanks for your incredible support.

We now have only limited places available and the Advanced workshop is full. If you want to be part of the action, please act now to avoid disappointment. Click here for more information and to register.



In this issue:


Highlights:


Get it right for dyslexics and get it right for Maori & Pasifika' - how valid is this as an educational position? Read Neil MacKay's view - click here

Dyslexia in the Workplace - an article featuring Entrepreneur of the Year

NEW Workshop 4D | For Difference - Attention, Autism Spectrum, Vision, Hearing, Challenging Behaviours and more! ONLY $95..... full details

Regular Updates
:

Dyslexia Foundation

4D School – NZ Schools taking the next step

4D Home – positive action for parents

4D Workplace – creating a new business reality





 

NEW Workshop 4D | For Difference - Attention, Autism Spectrum, Vision, Hearing, Challenging Behaviours and more!

Your feedback has been central to Neil creating a brand new half day workshop as a part of the 2010 4D Edge Workshop Series:

Workshop: 4D | For Difference - Attention, Autism Spectrum, Vision, Hearing, Challenging Behaviours and more!
Date:  Friday 4 June from 8.30am -12.30pm at the Rydges Hotel, Auckland.
Cost: $165 incl GST per person or $145 incl GST for staff or those working with students from a registered 4D School.
40% LOYALTY DISCOUNT: $95 incl GST for those already booked to attend other workshops in the 2010 4D Edge Workshop series.


This new workshop builds on the 4D principle of "get it right for dyslexia and get it right for all" to show how fine tuning learning and teaching for students with AD(H)D, ASD, Dyspraxia/DCD, Speech and Language, Visual and Hearing issues and challenging behaviour may also improve the achievement and attainment of all.


With so many already booked on other workshops, and a 40% loyalty discount we are anticipating this workshop to fill quickly.


For more information go to our updated workshops page: www.4d.org.nz/workshops/

 


Dyslexia in Australia


'Australian schools take action rather than waiting for federal government'
The recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald 'Report calls for urgent action on dyslexia' paints a picture that we recognise all too well in New Zealand. Effective lobbying along with a healthy dose of common sense is however starting to see teachers in New Zealand being supported resulting in students benefiting and less stress in the classroom.

For the full story and Neil MacKays reply, check out the last Australian Schools newsletter - click here

 


Dyslexia in the UK

'We are the people we have been waiting for'

The world is changing rapidly - but our education system is not keeping pace. This landmark independent documentary, inspired and guided by Lord Putnam and Sir Michael Barber, explores the education system in the UK and asks whether the current system provides young people with the opportunity to develop their talents.

High profile experiences include Sir Richard Branson, Germaine Greer, Henry Winkler, Bill Bryson and Sir Ken Robinson. This thought provoking film offers unique insight across generations and nations, and reveals a very inconvenient truth about education.

Check out this great website www.wearethepeoplemovie.com and let us know if you would like a copy of the DVD on loan, simply email info@dfnz.org.nz

Why we should be considering movement programmes?

The effects of movement on academic performance and cognitive development has been a topic of debate for many years. Whilst many theorists argue for the importance of movement to be recognised, they face scepticism from those who do not accept the claims made..... read the full article by Mary Mountstephen MA(SEN) AMBDA, click here.




We are proud to announce this exciting new workshop series for educators, employers & employees, and parents.

In June 2009, Mr Mackay touched down in New Zealand to run a sold-out nationwide series of 4D workshops for New Zealand educators, introducing his advanced insights into dyslexia and how to improve the learning environment for Kiwi schoolchildren. Feedback from the 1300 participants of these thought-provoking workshops was overwhelmingly positive, with significant demand for his return.

Strong interest from employer, parent, and special education groups has led to a considerably expanded format.

Special 10% discount just for 4D Schools. Applies to staff or those working with students from a registered 4D school– so book now and secure your place.


Discover more about Neil Mackay and what we call the 4D Edge by visiting www.4d.org.nz/edge


In recognition of their contribution to dyslexia in NZ these workshops have been sponsored by the Ministry of Education through their Quality Teaching Partnership Fund.



Help us spread the word!

A workshop information and registration form is available for you to circulate or place on your notice board. Please help us to spread the word. Click here to download form.









 

'Get it right for dyslexics and get it right for Maori & Pasifika'

How valid is this as an educational position? To an outsider reading literature from the Government, pressure groups, and researchers there are many similarities between Maori & Pasifika students and dyslexic students; both groups are under represented at higher education and among those leaving school with ability appropriate qualifications – both groups appear to be over represented among the disaffected, the under achievers and the unskilled. Also within both groups there will logically be a range of ability, from gifted and talented, through average to vulnerable yet many struggle to have their skills and talents recognised and affirmed within the education system.

To read the full article from International Dyslexia Consultant Neil Mackay, click here.


IMPORTANT DYSLEXIA NOTICE FOR YOUR PARENT COMMUNITY


On 30 May 2010 international dyslexia expert Neil MacKay will be presenting a Dyslexia Parent & Child Workshop at the Rydges Hotel in Auckland, this is an opportunity for parents and children from your school to attend and for your school to build positive parent partnerships that support your students.

Notice for School newsletter:
Can you please circulate these details and put the following notice into your school newsletter, thank you.


Event: Parent & Child Dyslexia Workshop
Date: Sunday 30 may 12.30pm-4.30pm
Venue: Rydges Hotel, Auckland
Cost: $95 per person
For: Parents of children that show signs of dyslexia or other learning difference, and their 8 - 18 year old children.
To register: Go to www.4d.org.nz/workshops/


Workshop description:
Staying connected to your child and their learning can be difficult when the challenges of dyslexia or other differences arise - especially when it comes to homework and learning for tests. Ensuring that your child knows that you understand and are willing to support them is critical for their self esteem and future opportunities as is actually knowing how and what to do.

Focusing on aspects of reading for meaning, spelling tricky words and organising ideas on paper, this unique workshop teaches parents some of the “tricks of the trade” and gives them the opportunity to try them out on their children – while being supported by experienced teachers. While it is best if parents can bring a child (or two) it is understood that this may not always be possible – so please feel free to come along and maybe support another instead. This workshop is very interactive and also very relaxed – you might even have fun!


Those that should attend: Parents of children that show signs of dyslexia or other learning difference (and their 8 - 18 year old children)


Information flyer:
To download flyers for your school noticeboard/s and to hand out to interested parents please click here.


Learning with dyslexia in secondary school in New Zealand: What can we learn from students'
past experiences?


Great to see this paper by Linda Rowan, Massey University published in the Australian Journal of Learning Difficulties. To have New Zealand students' experiences of dyslexia in a peer reviewed academic journal can only help to improve educational opportunities for students with dyslexia. click here for more details.



The N.Z. qualifications Authority (NZQA) has just issued Circular S2010/007 " Process for Making Applications for Special Assessment Conditions" that secondary schools are to follow......
you may get Parents asking about this..... fuller details - click here.




Neil MacKay Workshops Reminder
 

The 2010 workshop series has been designed to accommodate all levels of knowledge and engagement with dyslexia. The weeks format also allows you to progress your confidence step by step, day by day:

Monday 31 May

4D | Dyslexia aware best practice - the new teaching paradigm

Tuesday 1 June

4D | Advanced - achieving the 4D Edge

Wednesday 2 June

4D | Interventions - beyond great teaching, un-sticking the 4%

Thursday 3 June

4D | Leaders - creating change through vision and empowerment

Friday 4 June NEW 4D | For Difference - Attention, Autism Spectrum, Vision, Hearing, Challenging Behaviours and more! Only $95 when attending another workshop


Save 10% - 4D School Offer

Staff or those working with students from a registered 4D school will enjoy a 10% discount for registering.

For more details and to book – go to www.4d.org.nz/workshops

 







Invitation to start up Parent/Adult Support Groups

We very much encourage our members to form their own groups - either for families or for adult dyslexics - and work together for support and opportunities to help others.

To find a dyslexia support group near you, roll your cursor over the arrows below.




To discover more about our support group network click here.

We also strongly recommend that all parents read through our new 4D Home webpages, as much of the information and advice there applies to any family/home situation. We hope this helps.

For adult dyslexics we have the new 4D Workplace webpages which provide information and advice to employers and employees. Go to www.4d.org.nz/workplace

Want to start a support group in your area, simply email us at info@dfnz.org.nz

Speaking of support groups - here is a valuable message from the very active Auckland Dyslexia Support Group


Trevor Crosby
Email: trevorcrosby@actrix.co.nz


Kia ora


The N.Z. qualifications Authority (NZQA) has just issued Circular S2010/007 " Process for Making Applications for Special Assessment Conditions" that secondary schools are to follow. If your child is sitting NZQA qualifications this year, it may be helpful for you to confirm with your school that the school has all the information it requires for a successful application. Check the form that is available through the website to see the information that schools must supply.

The link for full information and the circular is here.

 

"Candidates with permanent or long-term conditions or learning disabilities which they believe will significantly impair their performance in internal assessment and specified external assessments, in particular written examinations, may apply to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) for an entitlement to Special Assessment Conditions in the current year. This includes candidates with physical disabilities as well as those with specific learning disabilities."

"Schools can anticipate NZQA approval to provide appropriate Special Assessment Conditions for practice assessments for externally assessed standards and internally assessed standards that might be assessed before the application is processed. However, if an application is declined, schools should be aware that these results may become invalid."

"There are three steps in the process."

Now, and before 1 May -- Step 1 (a): Application for entitlement to Special Assessment Conditions


"By now schools should have:

    * identified all likely candidates for special assessment conditions for 2010
    * completed an annual needs analysis
    * received new or updated reports from Level C assessors (if applicable)."


"Applications are now open and can be made on the Application for Entitlement to Special Assessment Conditions form (right) and these should be submitted as soon as possible before 1 May 2010 to the Special Assessment Conditions mailbox SAC@nzqa.govt.nz. Schools will be notified of the outcome of each candidate’s application, including those that have been declined.:


By 1 May -- Step 1 (b): Notification of status of applications


After 1 May -- Step 2: Online applications for Special Assessment Conditions for external assessment for entitled candidate


Before 16 August -- Step 3: Final confirmation by schools of Special Assessment Conditions for externally assessed standards


Cheers

Trevor

Emails sent by the Dyslexia Parent Support Group may be passed to others  by group members.



 

Parent & Child Workshop Reminder

May 30: 4D Parent & Child Workshop – creating the connection
Staying connected to your child and their learning can be difficult when the challenges of dyslexia or other differences arise - especially when it comes to homework and learning for tests. Ensuring that your child knows that you understand and are willing to support them is critical for their self esteem and future opportunities as is actually knowing how and what to do.

For more details and to book – go to www.4d.org.nz/workshops
To download flyers for your school noticeboard/s and to hand out to interested parents please click here.

 







Dyslexia in the Workplace - an article featuring Entrepreneur of the Year






 

A new school of thought is emerging about dyslexia in the workplace. Internationally employers are learning to celebrate the difference and harness the creative strengths dyslexics can bring to their work environments.

In New Zealand at least 10 per cent of the workforce will be dyslexic to some degree. Many employers know about the difficulties associated with dyslexia but few are aware of the strengths. Most do not know what action to take.

Dyslexics tend to have unique abilities in higher level thinking processes, learning capacity, creative problem solving and ‘thinking outside the square’ however they also experience real difficulties too that can create challenges. There are practical solutions available to help these employees reach their potential and add value to a business.

The Dyslexia Foundation is encouraging employers to understand the new thinking around dyslexia, focusing on noticing the difficulties (or preferences) a staff member has, and adjusting their actions in response. Our new website sets this out at www.4d.org.nz/workplace


Click here to read a feature article entitled Taking charge of dyslexia in the workplace, prepared by the Dyslexia Foundation with contributions by Richard Taylor and the CEO of the NZ MetService, Paul Reid. It outlines the new philosophy for getting the most from dyslexic employees, perspectives from successful New Zealand business leaders and useful tips for employers. We welcome you to publish the article or utilise it in any of your communications.

Please help us get these important messages to businesses and those that can spread the word.




 

Workplace Workshop Reminder

June 4: 4D Workplace Workshop – celebrating difference, discovering the creative edge

At least 10% of any given workforce will be dyslexic to some degree and individuals will typically think faster than they read, write and get their ideas down on paper – at all levels of employment, from graduates to ground workers. This workshop will provide information on how businesses can help employees, and dyslexic employees can help themselves so as to manifest their potential and add value to the business.


For more details and to book – go to www.4d.org.nz/workshops




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