This qualitative study sought to expand what is known about best practice for students with dyslexia in public schools. Despite its prevalence, there is confusion in the education field about what dyslexia actually is, how to identify it, and how to best remediate the difficulties associated with it. An untapped source of educational insight is teachers who have dyslexia and what they have gleaned from their experiences. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of 20 Massachusetts teachers with dyslexia as they reflected on their own experiences in special education. Utilizing semi-structured interviews that included critical incident questions, answers to the following research questions were sought: (a) What did teachers with dyslexia say they learned from their experiences in and out of the classroom setting with respect to self-concept, resilience, and their journey to becoming a teacher? (b) In what ways have teachers’ own experiences as learners and teachers with dyslexia influenced the ways that they currently practice? (c) In what ways did teachers with dyslexia perceive their learning disability affected their ability and capacity to teach students with dyslexia? Participants described traumatic experiences that resulted from teacher misinformation or late diagnoses. Results included strong support for increased teacher knowledge and understanding about dyslexia, including the variability and complexity of the profile, training in scientifically-based reading interventions and carefully chosen classroom placement, and recognition that dyslexia continues across the lifespan. Results were analyzed with feedback from four member check participants and input from three higher education dyslexia experts. The researcher made four conclusions: (1) Teacher training about the dyslexic profile is vital for all teachers; (2) All reading teachers must learn scientifically-based systematic phonetic reading approaches and access to such training must be improved; (3) Candidates and teachers with dyslexia have particular skill and empathy for working with students with dyslexia and should be supported; and (4) Teachers with dyslexia should have opportunities to share their voices in educational decision making.

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Orientador: Simone Aparecida Capellini / Banca: Clara Regina Brandão de Ávila / Banca: Cristiane Moço Canhetti de Oliveira / Resumo: Objetivos: Este estudo teve por objetivos elaborar um programa de intervenção com a nomeação automática rápida e analisar a significância clínica do desempenho dos sujeitos na pós-testagem e durante a intervenção, aplicada em um estudo piloto Método: O estudo foi desenvolvido em 2 fases, sendo a Fase 1 a elaboração de um programa de intervenção com a nomeação automática rápida e leitura com base nos estudos descritos na literatura e a Fase 2, a análise da significância clínica do desempenho dos sujeitos submetidos e não submetidos ao programa de intervenção aplicado em um estudo piloto. Participaram da Fase 2 deste estudo 30 sujeitos do 3º ao 5º ano do ensino fundamental, com idade de 8 a 12 anos, de ambos os gêneros, com diagnóstico interdisciplinar de transtornos de aprendizagem, dislexia e dificuldades de aprendizagem, divididos em 3 grupos. Grupo I (GI): composto por 10 escolares com diagnóstico interdisciplinar de transtornos de aprendizagem, Grupo II (GII): composto por 10 escolares com diagnóstico interdisciplinar de dislexia e Grupo III (GIII): composto por 10 escolares com diagnóstico interdisciplinar de dificuldades de aprendizagem, subdivididos em 2 grupos, sendo que em cada grupo os escolares foram subdivididos em grupo experimental e grupo controle para melhor análise da significância clínica do estudo piloto. Todos os escolares foram submetidos na pré e pós-testagem à aplicação das provas de habilidades metalinguísticas e de leitura, do protocolo de avaliação da... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Aims: The aims of this study was to elaborate a rapid automatized naming and reading intervention program, to analyze the clinical significance of the subjects' performance in the post-test and during the intervention applied in a pilot study Method: The study was developed in 2 phases, with Phase 1 being the elaboration of an rapid automatized naming and Reading intervention program based on studies described in the literature and Phase 2, the analysis of clinical significance of the performance of subjects submitted and not submitted to the intervention program applied in a pilot study. Participants from Phase 2 of this study were 30 subjects from the 3rd to the 5th grades level of elementary school, aged between 8 to 12 years old, both genders, with an interdisciplinary diagnosis of learning disorders, dyslexia and learning difficulties, divided into three groups. Group I (GI): composed by 10 students with interdisciplinary diagnosis of dyslexia and Group III (GIII): composed by 10 students with interdisciplinary diagnosis of learning difficulties. The students of each group were subdivided into experimental group and control group to better analyze the clinical significance of the pilot study. All students were submitted to the pre and post-test in the application of the Metalinguistic and Reading Skills Test, the Reading Comprehension Assessment Protocol and the Rapid Automatized Naming Test. Statistical analysis was performed using the JT method, which allowed to verify whether there was a positive or negative change and clinical significance and through the Wilcoxon Signal Test, McNemar Test, in order to compare the performance between pre and posttest and Of the Kruskal - Waliis Test and Likelihood Ratio Test for the comparison of the groups of this study. Results: The results showed that there was improvement ... (Complete abstract electronic access below) / Mestre

This study explored the potential value of alternating Philosophy with Picture Books (PB) within the Integrated Approach to Literacy Instruction (IATLI), to support two boys with dyslexia. PB was chosen in this explorative study because of its use of visual instruction, which a child with dyslexia is likely to respond more favourably to, because visual modes of learning is more complimentary to such learners. PB originates from the approach Philosophy with Children (P4C) that supports a pedagogy involving communicative virtues and collaborative thinking. Such attributes are likely to add value to an intervention as it may lead to the development of meta-cognitive strategies, which could both support and motivate their learning. The Integrated Approach to Literacy Instruction (IATLI) was also chosen in this explorative study because research suggests that children with dyslexia struggle with the acquisition of phonological awareness. One of the aims of the IATLI is to develop such a weakness. This study explores in particular how alternating the IALTI and PB could possibly add value in supporting two boys with dyslexia. The responses of both boys to the two approaches, in-depth interviews with both boys’ English teachers, and developmental diaries kept by the English teachers, the researcher, as well as the participants was analysed utilising thematic coding. In addition, pre and posttesting was administered and added to the triangulation of this study. The main findings indicated that alternating the IATLI and PB was valuable for these two boys and led to some improvement, relating to their personal development, positive attitude to engagement in remedial therapy, improved self esteem and areas of literacy improvement. It did not however result in significant improvement, as the boys did not transfer the skills taught in remedial therapy to the classroom, nor was significant improvement noticed by their English teachers.

The general aim of this thesis was to identify the indicators of reading disability and to analyze the effect of these factors in preschool age children in order to determine which factors play a principal role in the development of dyslexia. Various theories of developmental dyslexia have been investigated and the key components of major theories are presented in this paper. It is a generally held view that dyslexia is caused by a deficit in phonological processing which is an inability to understand the sound structure of language. This thesis aims to unite current research findings in order to better classify dyslexia as well as to determine approaches to intervention which are critical to a preschool child’s development of literacy. Three studies were conducted. The goal of study 1 was to determine the discrepancies in performance between non-dyslexic readers and dyslexic readers. Study 2 investigated phonological awareness abilities in preschool age children and their relationship with intelligence. An intervention study was then carried out on the preschool participants to determine the effects of instruction in the alphabetic principle on elements related to intelligence and phonological awareness. The results of this thesis and the studies conducted herein found a wide range of domains that were causal to reading disability. These include visuo-spatial discrimination skills, phonological knowledge and working memory. These studies also indicate that early identification of weaknesses in these areas can be mediated by well informed instruction in letter-sound correspondence and can be a critical determinant of future reading ability.

This research describes two invesitgations into temporal processing by dyslexics. Firstly, the accuracy and speed of response that dyslexic children and matched controls demonstrate on three types of time comparison task was explored. The participants were 96 boys and 24 girls, divided into three age bands: 7:0 - 7:11; 11:0 - 11:11 and 14:0 - 14:11 years of age of whom 60 were dyslexic and 60 non-dyslexic. Dyslexics in all age bads took longer and made fewer correct responses than non-dyslexics in time telling. Younger dyslexics were differentially disadvantaged when compared to older dyslexics in speed and correctness. Both groups showed improved accuracy and speed with age. The dyslexic cohort aged 14 years improved in accuracy from age 11, though with only marginal improvement in reaction time speed. Complex time perception proved most difficult for both groups. Reason for these differences are discussed with reference to limited sort-term memory problems affecting performance especially for dyslexics. The research substantiates particular theories of dyslexia and a new model helps to explain the process. Practical implications are suggested for parents, teachers and examiners concerned with dyslexic children. Secondly, the time management skills of dyslexic and non-dyslexic adults were examined for 43 dyslexic and 41 non-dyslexic particpants who answered an online questionnaire about their time management skills. The adult questionnaires revealed that dyslexics find time management, estimation, planning and sticking to a schedule particualrly difficult, resulting in task delay or incompletion, and heightened levels of stress as time pressures increase. Questions revealed lack of confidence in time management techniques amongst dyslexics. Many dyslexics had found these difficulties placed severe contraints on career choices, areas of employment and lifestyle. Possible reasons for these diffierenecs are discussed with an accompanying model that stresses the contraints caused by poor working memory.

The general purpose of the present study was to investigate the nature, etiology and treatment possibilities of dyslexia, as seen against the background of the normal reading process. In the discussion of the reading process it is pointed out that the ability to read influences the total personality of the child as well as his contact with the environment. Reading is described as a psychoneurological activity which involves the integration of several complex organical and psychological processes. A study of the literature on the nature of dyslexia revealed that the reading disability is usually accompanied by other somatic and psychological symptoms. Several theories on the etiology of reading disabilities are discussed and it seems that there is as yet no general agreement about the causal factors. Traditional theories in which either organical, educational or psychological causes are overemphasized do not seem acceptable. As reading involves the whole personality, disturbances on the organical or psychological levels of the personality, or the complex interaction of several of the factors can probably lead to dyslexia. An analysis of remedial reading methods showed that the immediate aim of most of the traditional techniques was the correction of the reading disability itself. In recent years a growing number of reading specialists endeavoured to include the remediation of basic neurological and psychological factors in their programme. The use of the Aurelle apparatus for the correction of language disturbances enables the therapist to reach the child on the level of neurological organization, by correcting certain hearing functions and verbal expression. At the same time the necessary didactic and psychotherapeutic help can be given, which makes the rehabilitation of the total personality of the child possible. It was decided to initiate research which would eventually help to make Aurelle therapy possible for Afrikaans speaking dyslectic pupils. The specific experimental aim of this study was to discover common reading errors made by dyslectic pupils in two different age groups (7 ½ - 9 years 11 months, 10 – 12 ½ years) and to determine whether the errors of the two groups differ qualitatively. Both experimental groups, consisting respectively of 30 and 32 pupils, were selected on the basis of teachers' evaluation, examination results, number of reading errors and I.Q. A standardized reading test, the Individuele diagnostiese toetse in Afrikaans: lees en taal, was used as basis for the analyses of reading mistakes. A remarkable similarity was found between the two groups with regard to the categories in which most mistakes occurred. Some categories nevertheless differentiated on a significant level between the groups, possibly because of the relatively better sensory discrimination of the older group and this group's greater effort to grasp the meaning of the reading material. The analyses of reading errors in broad categories can be used together with the frequency analyses of mistakes made with specific words and phonemes to build up a programmed model for remedial teaching in reading. Such a model is essential where the Aurelle is included in the audio-visual programme, but it can also be of value for any of the other forms of reading therapy. / Thesis (MA)--PU vir CHO

The general purpose of the present study was to investigate the nature, etiology and treatment possibilities of dyslexia, as seen against the background of the normal reading process. In the discussion of the reading process it is pointed out that the ability to read influences the total personality of the child as well as his contact with the environment. Reading is described as a psychoneurological activity which involves the integration of several complex organical and psychological processes. A study of the literature on the nature of dyslexia revealed that the reading disability is usually accompanied by other somatic and psychological symptoms. Several theories on the etiology of reading disabilities are discussed and it seems that there is as yet no general agreement about the causal factors. Traditional theories in which either organical, educational or psychological causes are overemphasized do not seem acceptable. As reading involves the whole personality, disturbances on the organical or psychological levels of the personality, or the complex interaction of several of the factors can probably lead to dyslexia. An analysis of remedial reading methods showed that the immediate aim of most of the traditional techniques was the correction of the reading disability itself. In recent years a growing number of reading specialists endeavoured to include the remediation of basic neurological and psychological factors in their programme. The use of the Aurelle apparatus for the correction of language disturbances enables the therapist to reach the child on the level of neurological organization, by correcting certain hearing functions and verbal expression. At the same time the necessary didactic and psychotherapeutic help can be given, which makes the rehabilitation of the total personality of the child possible. It was decided to initiate research which would eventually help to make Aurelle therapy possible for Afrikaans speaking dyslectic pupils. The specific experimental aim of this study was to discover common reading errors made by dyslectic pupils in two different age groups (7 ½ - 9 years 11 months, 10 – 12 ½ years) and to determine whether the errors of the two groups differ qualitatively. Both experimental groups, consisting respectively of 30 and 32 pupils, were selected on the basis of teachers' evaluation, examination results, number of reading errors and I.Q. A standardized reading test, the Individuele diagnostiese toetse in Afrikaans: lees en taal, was used as basis for the analyses of reading mistakes. A remarkable similarity was found between the two groups with regard to the categories in which most mistakes occurred. Some categories nevertheless differentiated on a significant level between the groups, possibly because of the relatively better sensory discrimination of the older group and this group's greater effort to grasp the meaning of the reading material. The analyses of reading errors in broad categories can be used together with the frequency analyses of mistakes made with specific words and phonemes to build up a programmed model for remedial teaching in reading. Such a model is essential where the Aurelle is included in the audio-visual programme, but it can also be of value for any of the other forms of reading therapy. / Thesis (MA)--PU vir CHO

The aim of this thesis was three-fold: firstly, to examine the development of reading and spelling abilities in the Greek language; secondly, to identify the cognitive predictors of reading and spelling skills; and finally, to establish how developmental dyslexia is manifested in the regular Greek orthography. An extensive battery of cognitive, linguistic, and literacy tasks was administered to 132 children: 66 Grade-2 and 66 Grade-4 Greek-speaking children attending four different schools in Athens, Greece. The battery included: tests of reading, spelling, and mathematical attainment; a nonword reading task, various phonological awareness & other phonological processing tests; a non-verbal intelligence test and various syntactic awareness tasks. Evidence on the manifestation of developmental dyslexia in Greek was based on a chronological-age and a reading-level matched-pairs comparison between poor and average readers. Despite a large number of difficult polysyllabic word stimuli, reading accuracy was at ceiling for most subjects. Reading speed proved a more effective measure of individual differences. A high degree of accuracy was also observed on many phonological awareness tests. Rapid naming, phonological awareness and speech rate proved the most important predictors of reading ability in the regular Greek language. The predictive value of many variables/tests, however, appeared to differ between English and Greek. Phonological awareness - the most powerful and stable predictor in English - appeared to be a reliable predictor of reading ability only at the initial stages of literacy development (Grade-2). The most significant predictor at Grade-4 was rapid naming. Speech rate consistently predicted reading skill in all our analyses. Syntactic awareness proved not a reliable predictor. Its contribution was significant only for spelling ability at Grade-4. The matched-pair comparisons supported the above results. Results are discussed in relation to the existing differences in the orthographic structure of the English and Greek languages. It is suggested that the examination of linguistic differences is important, both, from a theoretical and clinical point of view.